Genome-wide search for atopy susceptibility genes in Dutch families with asthma

Atopy is a phenotype associated with asthma that has a heritable component. However, the role of atopysusceptibility genes in the development and expression of asthma and allergic disorders is not understood.

We sought to study the familial aggregation and co-occurrence of atopic phenotypes within family members of patients with asthma and to identify chromosomal regions that may contain genes that regulate different atopic phenotypes.

In 200 families (n = 1174) ascertained through a proband with asthma, genome-wide screen and linkage analysis was performed for the following atopic phenotypes: (1) specific IgE to common aeroallergens (Phadiatop assay); (2) specific IgE to Der p 1; (3) positive skin test responses to house dust mite; (4) positive skin test responses to 1 or more of 16 allergens; and (5) peripheral blood eosinophils. Results were compared with the linkage results for total serum IgE levels.

There was clear familial aggregation of atopy. A high total serum IgE level in combination with a positive Phadiatop result or a normal total IgE level in combination with a negative Phadiatop result was found in 56.1% of the probands and 66.9% of the offspring. Several chromosomal regions that showed evidence for linkage to an atopic phenotype (ie, 2q, 6p, 7q, and 13q) also showed evidence of linkage with total serum IgE (Xu et al. Am J Hum Genet 2000;67:1163-73). Specific regions of interest for atopic traits were also detected on chromosomes 11q, 17q, and 22q.

Atopic phenotypes show familial aggregation, although family members may differ in expression of atopy. Specific chromosomal regions appear to be important in susceptibility to different phenotypes of atopic responsiveness.