Lupus study illustrates the importance of diversity in genetic research

Scientists at the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology have pinpointed epigenetic differences in the way lupus affects black women compared to other lupus patients, revealing important mechanics of the puzzling disease. Epidemiologists have identified that lupus impacts black women with greater frequency and severity than other populations. Scientists in Devin Absher's Lab at HudsonAlpha published findings in August showing that increased risk and harm to lupus patients can be linked to epigenetic differences—essentially, the degree to which certain genes are functioning.