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Environmental epigenetics and asthma: current concepts and call for studies
1PH8E, 630 W. 168th Street, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY 10032, USA. rlm14@columbia.edu
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine
|January 12, 2008
Summary
Epigenetic regulation influences asthma development through gene-environment interactions. Environmental epigenetics research offers promise for understanding and potentially preventing asthma.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Epigenetics
- Molecular Biology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Asthma development involves complex gene-environment interactions.
- Epigenetic regulation, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, may mediate these interactions.
- Epigenetic changes can be influenced by environmental exposures throughout life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of epigenetic regulation in asthma development and natural history.
- To highlight the potential of environmental epigenetics in understanding asthma.
- To identify key research questions for future epigenetic studies in asthma.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing epidemiologic and experimental studies.
- In vitro experimental data on DNA methylation and T-helper cell differentiation.
- Discussion of the need for controlled in vivo experiments and cohort-driven epigenetic research.
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests epigenetic regulation modifies asthma risk.
- DNA methylation of key genes can influence allergic phenotypes.
- Asthma risk may be transmitted across generations via epigenetic mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Environmental epigenetics is crucial for understanding asthma etiology.
- Further research, particularly cohort-driven studies with exposure monitoring, is needed.
- Understanding epigenetic mechanisms could lead to preventable strategies for asthma.
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