Asthma Breakthrough Holds Promise

'Cellular pump' suggests possible treatments
By Matt Cantor,  Newser Staff
Posted Jun 16, 2009 2:34 PM CDT
Asthma Breakthrough Holds Promise
People with asthma have reduced SERCA2 levels, a study found.   (Shutterstock)

Scientists have found a “cellular pump” that appears central to the development of asthma, pointing the way to possible new treatments, the BBC reports. The pump, called SERCA2, helps airway muscles relax. People with asthma had reduced SERCA2 levels, researchers found; replacing it in airway muscle cells could help fight asthma symptoms and long-term airway “remodeling” associated with the disease. (More medical breakthrough stories.)

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