Scientists at Trinity College Dublin have discovered genes linked to a serious illness that prevents sufferers from eating any foods containing wheat protein and gluten.
The researchers say the seven gene regions are linked to coeliac disease, which is triggered by wheat, barley and rye products. Proteins in these foods are effectively toxic to those with coeliac disease and they can impair the function of the small intestine.
Four of the genes are also linked to a predisposition to type 1 diabetes, the researchers found. A total of 1,000 of the strongest genetic markers were tested in 5,000 samples taken from people in Ireland, Britain and the Netherlands.
The TCD researchers, led by Dr Ross McManus, in collaboration with scientists in Britain and the Netherlands, say their "groundbreaking" discovery will lead to a better understanding of coeliac disease and to the development of new treatments.
"These findings underline the power of new genetic approaches using large groups of patients and controls to understand the mechanisms behind these types of common diseases," Dr McManus said.
It is very interesting that they all point to the immune machinery and hopefully will throw some light on why these normal foodstuffs cause the misfiring of the immune system in coeliac disease."
Ireland has what the researchers say is an "extremely high" incidence of coeliac disease, with up to one in every 100 people susceptible to developing the condition.