<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> UNIVERSITY RESEARCHERS SEEK FAMILIES WITH CELIAC DISEASE/DERMATITIS HERPETIFORMIS HISTORY Families that have had two or more relatives diagnosed with Celiac Disease or Dermatitis Herpetiformis are being sought for a study to identify factors associated with the development of celiac disease. The goal of the study is to find genes that may predispose individuals and their relatives to develop the condition. The study has been funded for the last six years by a grant from the National Institutes of Health. Discovery of a gene for Celiac Disease could eventually lead to better diagnosis, treatment, and possibly even prevention of celiac disease. Ultimately, the research could result in development of preventive strategies and therapies for individuals who are at high risk for the condition. It is estimated that 1 in 200 people in the United States suffer from Celiac Disease. The study will accept families where at least two individuals in the same family, with the exception of simple parent-child pairs, have been diagnosed with celiac disease or dermatitis herpetiformis. Study participants will be asked to provide some family medical history and a small blood sample for genetic analysis. Participants will also receive a free Endomysial Antibody test for screening for Celiac Disease. For further information, please contact Linda Steele, Research Manager, University of California, Irvine at (949) 824-5603 or toll-free at (866) 356-9962, or e-mail [log in to unmask] University of California, Irvine, Department of Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, fax: 949-824-4773, This e-mail/fax message, including any attachments, is for the sole use of the intended recipient(s) and may contain confidential and privileged information. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail/fax and destroy all copies of the original message. * Visit the Celiac Web Page at www.enabling.org/ia/celiac/index.html *