Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026
12:08
Cultivate Primary Nasal Epithelial Cells from Children and Reprogram into Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Published on: March 10, 2016
Genetic influences on asthma susceptibility in the developing lung
Nicole Carpe1, Isabel Mandeville, Leslie Ribeiro
1Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, 4060 Saint Catherine West, Montreal, PQ, Canada.
American Journal of Respiratory Cell and Molecular Biology
|February 2, 2010
Summary
Early gene expression differences in developing lungs contribute to asthma susceptibility. This study in rat models reveals distinct respiratory phenotypes linked to genetic variations, offering insights into pediatric asthma origins.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Asthma is a leading pediatric chronic illness, with rising prevalence in young children.
- Increased asthma rates are linked to early environmental exposures interacting with genetic susceptibility.
- Understanding the developmental origins of asthma is crucial for prevention and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the origins of asthma susceptibility in the developing lung.
- To characterize distinct respiratory phenotypes and their genetic underpinnings in susceptible rat models.
- To identify key genes and biological pathways involved in early lung development and asthma pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Fisher and Brown Norway (BN) rat strains, modeling airway hyperresponsiveness and atopy, respectively.
- Analyzed lung tissue from different postnatal ages to assess gene expression and cellular changes.
- Employed transcriptomic analysis, linear regression, quantitative RT-PCR, and protein analysis to identify and validate gene expression patterns.
Main Results:
- BN rat pups exhibited increased epithelial proliferation and goblet cell hyperplasia.
- Fisher rat pups showed increased lung resistance and neutrophil infiltration.
- Identified 1,376 differentially expressed genes related to growth, development, extracellular matrix, cell adhesion, and immune function.
- Validated key genes including Col3a1, Ly6b, glucocorticoid receptor, Importin-13, Serpina1, and Ficolin B.
Conclusions:
- Innate differences in lung gene expression during development contribute to individual variations in respiratory phenotype.
- These early genetic variations are likely involved in the pathogenesis of pediatric asthma.
- The study provides a foundation for understanding how early-life exposures and genetic factors interact to influence asthma development.
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...
01:29Asthma-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...
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is a chronic pulmonary condition involving inflammation of the airways, hyper-reactivity, and reversible obstruction of the airways. This condition can significantly impact a person's quality of life, making breathing difficult and leading to distressing symptoms.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
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:
01:23Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...
01:24Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features
Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...