Genetic variation in CRTh2 influences development of allergic phenotypes
L Cameron1, M Depner2, M Kormann2
1Pulmonary Research Group, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
Background:
Allergic disorders are characterized by an increase in the Th2 cytokines IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13, produced primarily by Th2 cells. These cells are marked by the expression of CRTh2 (chemoattractant receptor-homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells), a receptor for prostaglandin D(2). As genetic variation plays a significant role in the predisposition for allergic disorders, we investigated the influence of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CRTh2.
Methods:
In a large study population of German children (n = 4264) from the International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Children (ISAAC II), six polymorphisms in CRTh2 were genotyped. Statistical analyses were performed using single SNP and haplotype analyses.
Results:
Uncorrected associations among -6373G>A, +1431G>C and +1538A>G were observed with a number of allergic phenotypes (P < 0.05). After correction, association between +1431C and specific IgE to food allergens remained significant (P = 0.04). Associations of haplotype (H)3 (containing +1538G) with reduced risk for asthma and H2 (containing +1431C) with increased risk for specific IgE to food allergens also remained significant after correction for multiple testing (P = 0.004).
Conclusions:
Genetic variation within CRTh2 modifies the development of allergic sensitization and asthma in a population of German children.
Related Concept Videos
Pharmacogenetic Phenotypes: Alterations in Pharmacokinetics, Drug Targets and Biologic Milieu
Exon Recombination
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...
Epistasis
Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
An example of how genetic background affects phenotype can be seen in horses. The Extension gene in horses is responsible for their coat color. A wild-type gene (EE) produces black pigment in the coat, while a mutant gene (ee) produces red pigment. A...
Genetic Variation
Genes exist in different versions called alleles, which...


