The work of an Oklahoma research physician may have uncovered one of the key mysteries of systemic lupus erythematosus: Why it affects far more women more than men – nine times more often.

Dr. Amr Sawalha, of the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, has discovered a gene on the X chromosome that likely plays a role in lupus, reports the Oklahoman news daily. Women have two X chromosomes, men only have one.

Dr. Sawalha discovered that this gene, believed to be the first related to adult onset lupus on an X chromosome, may predispose people to the disease. If the gene operates incorrectly, immune system T cells become overactive, resulting in the autoimmune disease.

It is hoped that the gene’s discovery leads to new therapies for lupus.

More Lupus Research News:

• Genetic Link Between Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Correlation Between Anti-SM Antibodies and Death Risk
• Stem Cells and Lupus