Researchers have identified a DNA sequence that appears to speed up the progression of lupus, an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues. “Enhancers” are DNA sequences that accelerate the activation of neighboring genes, according to Italian researchers. In the case of lupus, researchers identified a particular DNA sequence, called HS1.2, which may play a role in the most severe cases of the disease, which can cause joint pain, fever, skin rashes, hair loss and anemia.
