Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2026
08:44
Identification and Characterization of Immunogenic RNA Species in HDM Allergens that Modulate Eosinophilic Lung Inflammation
Published on: May 30, 2020
ORMDL3 gene is associated with asthma in three ethnically diverse populations.
Joshua Galanter1, Shweta Choudhry, Celeste Eng
1Lung Biology Center, Department of Medicine, Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-2911, USA. joshua.galanter@ucsf.edu
Summary
This study confirms that the ORMDL3 gene is a risk factor for asthma across diverse ethnic groups. Further research is needed to understand how ORMDL3 genetic variants contribute to asthma development.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pulmonology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Independent replication is crucial for validating genetic associations in complex diseases.
- Whole-genome association studies (WGAS) have identified ORMDL3 as a potential asthma gene in Caucasian populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To validate the role of ORMDL3 genetic variants in asthma susceptibility.
- To investigate ORMDL3 associations in Mexican, Puerto Rican, and African American populations.
Main Methods:
- Family-based association analyses were conducted for seven single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in and around the ORMDL3 gene.
- Evaluated SNPs in 701 Mexican and Puerto Rican parent-child trios and 264 African American asthma cases with 176 controls.
Main Results:
- Significant associations between two ORMDL3 SNPs (rs4378650 and rs12603332) and asthma were observed in Mexican and African American populations.
- A trend towards association was noted in Puerto Ricans, particularly in individuals with elevated IgE levels.
- No association was found with lung function or bronchodilator response.
Conclusions:
- The ORMDL3 locus is confirmed as a risk factor for asthma in ethnically diverse populations.
- Inconsistent SNP-level findings necessitate further investigation into the precise mechanisms of ORMDL3's role in asthma pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and heightened bronchial responsiveness to a wide range of triggers. The underlying inflammation leads to airway swelling, mucus hypersecretion, and smooth muscle constriction, all of which narrow the airway lumen and impede airflow. Clinically, asthma presents with recurrent episodes of wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing, symptoms that typically vary in intensity and...
01:13Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations
Asthma presents with a characteristic pattern of episodic respiratory symptoms that reflect underlying airway inflammation, bronchoconstriction, and mucus hypersecretion. Although severity varies among individuals, certain clinical manifestations are considered hallmarks of the disorder and often guide diagnosis and assessment.Respiratory SymptomsA persistent cough is one of the most common early features of asthma. It is frequently dry and tends to worsen at night or in the early morning,...
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Asthma is a prevalent chronic respiratory condition marked by inflammation and hyperresponsiveness of the airways. Its pathophysiology involves complex interactions among inflammatory pathways, immune responses, and neural mechanisms.
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Mast Cell Stabilizers and Anti-IgE Drugs
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition for which new therapeutic avenues, including anti-inflammatory drugs like mast cell stabilizers and anti-IgE treatments, continue to be developed.
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
Mast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn (also known as sodium cromoglycate) and nedocromil (Tilade), are effective drugs in asthma management. These stabilizers hinder histamine release by skillfully obstructing the activation of mast cells and other cellular entities. Notably, they navigate this task without...
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma is a chronic respiratory ailment that requires careful management due to its varying symptoms and influencing factors. It is characterized by airway inflammation, bronchial hyperresponsiveness, and reversible airflow obstruction, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. The symptom frequency and intensity may vary considerably over time. It is also linked to immune system responses to allergens and irritants, highlighting the complex...
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition, is classified considering the frequency and severity of symptoms alongside lung function impairment. Understanding this classification is essential for appropriate treatment and management. Here's a detailed look at the classification of asthma and its clinical features and complications:
Classification of Asthma
Classification of Asthma