What Causes Biliary Atresia?

Genetics

Research has shown possible connections between genetics and biliary atresia. In a population-wide genome study conducted in China, an association was found between the development of the condition and a gene known as ADD3. This association was also discovered among individuals in Thailand and Caucasians. Other studies have shown biliary atresia could be connected to the deletion of the GPC1 gene. Located on the second chromosome, this gene regulates inflammation and also serves as a regulator for the Hedgehog gene. An additional study of Egyptian infants with this condition found they had a null GSTM1 genotype. The infant's mothers were all heterozygous for GSTM1. Thus, researchers believe the infants were protected in utero, but they could not cope with the detoxification of aflatoxin load that occurred after birth. More research is being done to better understand how genetics may be involved in biliary atresia.