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08:05
Murine Model of Allergen Induced Asthma
Published on: May 14, 2012
Genetic analyses in asthma: current concepts and future directions.
1Division of Respiratory and Pharmacogenomics Research, deCODE Genetics, Inc., Reykjavik, Iceland.
American Journal of Pharmacogenomics : Genomics-Related Research in Drug Development and Clinical Practice
|October 18, 2002
Summary
This review explores genetic links to asthma, identifying numerous chromosomal regions associated with asthma and related traits like allergies. While progress is significant, the clinical impact of these asthma gene discoveries remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pulmonology
- Immunology
Background:
- Asthma is a complex genetic disorder with varied phenotypes, influenced by gene-gene and gene-environment interactions.
- Numerous genetic loci and candidate genes have been linked to asthma, atopy, elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE), and bronchial hyper-responsiveness.
- Despite extensive research, only one high-risk asthma gene has been definitively mapped.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies supporting linkage and associations between genetic loci/genes and asthma.
- To consolidate findings from various genome-wide scans and candidate gene studies in asthma genetics.
Main Methods:
- Review of published genome-wide scans for linkage to asthma and related quantitative traits.
- Analysis of association studies investigating single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and microsatellite markers in candidate genes.
- Inclusion of studies from diverse ethnic and geographical populations.
Main Results:
- Multiple genome-wide scans identified linkage regions on chromosomes 1p, 2q, 4q, 5q, 6, 7, 9, 11q, 12q, 13q, 14q, 16, 17q, 19q, and 21q.
- Specific regions like 3q21, 14q24, chromosome 2, and 5q31 showed genome-wide significance in independent studies.
- These regions are suggested to harbor genes contributing to asthma and allergy development.
Conclusions:
- Significant progress has been made in identifying genetic factors associated with asthma phenotypes.
- The clinical implications of identified asthma genes and genetic variations are yet to be determined.
- Further research is needed to translate genetic findings into clinical applications for asthma management.
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