A study which brought together 175 scientists across 126 research centres around the world, plus the EU funds, has permitted to discover 16 new sections of the genetic code associated with lung function. This new discovery could shed more light on the molecular basis of lung diseases.

A major international study, funded throughout seven EU projects, including funds from the EU's Seventh Framework Programme, discovered 16 new sections of the genetic code associated with lung function. The discovery of these new genetic variants associated with the health of the human lung could shed more light on the molecular basis of lung diseases like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and in turn lead to better prevention strategies and new types of treatment.

The study involved an analysis of 2.5 million genetic variants in 48,201 people from around the world. The research team then honed in on their work by focusing on a smaller number of the most promising genetic variants in a further 46,411 individuals. This new discovery builds on previous work published last year where the international team announced the discovery of ten new genetic variants associated with lung function.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive disease that makes it hard for people to breathe and it affects around 1 in 10 adults over 40 and is the fourth most common cause of death worldwide. Although smoking is the biggest cause of COPD, not all smokers are equally likely to develop COPD and differences in susceptibility occur due to the genetic variants people carry.