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Published on: August 7, 2017
Identification of ATPAF1 as a novel candidate gene for asthma in children
Eric M Schauberger1, Susan L Ewart, Syed H Arshad
1Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
Insights
Genetic variations in the ATPAF1 gene are linked to childhood asthma susceptibility across diverse ancestries. This finding aids in predicting and stratifying asthma risk in children.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Pediatrics
- Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Childhood asthma is a prevalent condition with a complex genetic basis.
- Identifying genetic factors is crucial for predicting asthma risk and stratifying patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify specific genes associated with asthma susceptibility in children.
- To investigate the role of genetic variations in childhood asthma.
Main Methods:
- A nested case-control genetic association study was performed on a birth cohort of European ancestry children.
- Genome-wide genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was conducted, followed by replication in diverse populations.
- ATPAF1 gene expression was analyzed in bronchial biopsies.
Main Results:
- A significant association was found between asthma and a cluster of SNPs and haplotypes within the ATPAF1 gene region, with genome-wide significance.
- Associations were confirmed across multiple ancestries, including Caucasian, African American, and Hispanic populations.
- Increased ATPAF1 gene expression was observed in asthmatic children's bronchial biopsies compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Genetic variations in the ATPAF1 gene contribute to asthma predisposition in children of various ancestries.
- The ATPAF1 gene is a potential target for understanding and managing childhood asthma.
Background:
Asthma is a common disease of children with a complex genetic origin. Understanding the genetic basis of asthma susceptibility will allow disease prediction and risk stratification.
Objective:
We sought to identify asthma susceptibility genes in children.
Methods:
A nested case-control genetic association study of children of Caucasian European ancestry from a birth cohort was conducted. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, n = 116,024) were genotyped in pools of DNA samples from cohort children with physician-diagnosed asthma (n = 112) and normal controls (n = 165). A genomic region containing the ATPAF1 gene was found to be significantly associated with asthma. Additional SNPs within this region were genotyped in individual samples from the same children and in 8 independent study populations of Caucasian, African American, Hispanic, or other ancestries. SNPs were also genotyped or imputed in 2 consortia control populations. ATPAF1 expression was measured in bronchial biopsies from asthmatic patients and controls.
Results:
Asthma was found to be associated with a cluster of SNPs and SNP haplotypes containing the ATPAF1 gene, with 2 SNPs achieving significance at a genome-wide level (P = 2.26 × 10(-5) to 2.2 × 10(-8)). Asthma severity was also found to be associated with SNPs and SNP haplotypes in the primary population. SNP and/or gene-level associations were confirmed in the 4 non-Hispanic populations. Haplotype associations were also confirmed in the non-Hispanic populations (P = .045-.0009). ATPAF1 total RNA expression was significantly (P < .01) higher in bronchial biopsies from asthmatic patients than from controls.
Conclusion:
Genetic variation in the ATPAF1 gene predisposes children of different ancestries to asthma.
Related Concept Videos
Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
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.
Antiasthma Drugs: Leukotriene Modifiers
Leukotriene modifiers work through two distinct mechanisms:
Asthma-I: Introduction
Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
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:
Asthma I: Introduction
Asthma III: Clinical Manifestations

