Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
10:39
Advanced Imaging of Lung Homing Human Lymphocytes in an Experimental In Vivo Model of Allergic Inflammation Based on Light-sheet Microscopy
Published on: April 16, 2019
E-cadherin gene polymorphisms in asthma patients using inhaled corticosteroids
D Ierodiakonou1, D S Postma, G H Koppelman
1Dept of Epidemiology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
The European Respiratory Journal
|May 5, 2011
Summary
CDH1 gene variations impact airway remodelling and lung function in asthma. Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) modify these effects, highlighting epithelial adhesion
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- E-cadherins are crucial for maintaining epithelial integrity, which is compromised in asthma.
- Inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) have demonstrated potential in restoring epithelial integrity.
- The role of CDH1 gene polymorphisms in asthma-related airway changes requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the association between CDH1 gene single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and airway remodelling, inflammation, and lung function decline in asthma.
- To determine if ICSs modulate the relationship between CDH1 SNPs and asthma progression.
- To examine the link between CDH1 SNPs, E-cadherin expression, and airway pathology.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 17 haplotype-tagging SNPs in bronchial biopsies from 138 asthma patients (Population 1).
- Assessment of associations between SNPs, E-cadherin expression, airway remodelling markers, and FEV1/VC ratio.
- Longitudinal analysis of FEV1 and VC data from 281 asthma patients (Population 2) using linear mixed-effect models to evaluate SNP associations with FEV1 decline over 30 years.
Main Results:
- Seven out of 17 tested SNPs were significantly associated with airway remodelling, three with CD8+ T-cell counts, two with eosinophil counts, and seven with FEV1 decline.
- All observed SNP associations were significant only in patients utilizing ICSs.
- Alleles linked to reduced airway remodelling correlated with slower FEV1 decline and higher FEV1/VC ratios; decreased E-cadherin expression was associated with five SNPs in non-ICS users.
Conclusions:
- CDH1 gene polymorphisms are associated with variations in epithelial E-cadherin expression in asthma patients.
- Epithelial adhesion, influenced by CDH1 SNPs, plays a significant role in asthma-related airway remodelling and lung function.
- The impact of CDH1 polymorphisms on asthma pathology and lung function is modulated by the use of inhaled corticosteroids.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Antiasthma Drugs: Inhaled Corticosteroids and Glucocorticoids
Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are anti-inflammatory drugs used primarily in treating persistent asthma and providing long-term maintenance. They target the bronchial mucosa, the lining of the airways, to control inflammation, a critical factor in asthma progression and exacerbation.
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
ICS work through a multifaceted mechanism of action. They suppress the inflammatory response caused by the proliferation of TH cells. They also reduce the transcription of the IL-2 gene, which is involved in the...
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...
01:26Asthma-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:
01:11Pharmacogenetics of Drug Targets: β₂-Adrenergic Receptors, Apo E, Thymidylate Synthase
Genetic polymorphisms in drug targets have emerged as critical determinants of interindividual variability in drug response and toxicity. Pharmacogenomic investigations increasingly focus on identifying these variations to personalize and optimize therapeutic interventions. A drug target may be a receptor, enzyme, or signaling protein involved in pharmacologic responses or disease-related pathways. While early pharmacogenetic studies focused primarily on drug metabolism, current research...
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...
01:25Structure of Cadherins
The cadherins were one of the first cell adhesion molecules discovered; the term “cadherins” is based on their calcium-dependent adhering properties. The first cadherins discovered on the epithelial, neuronal, and placental cells were named E-cadherin, P-cadherin, and N-cadherin, respectively. These classical cadherins share sequence and structural similarities. Other cadherins, including those involved in cell signaling, are grouped into non-classical cadherins. This diversity of cadherins...