Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 23, 2026

Immunofluorescent Labeling in Nasal Mucosa Tissue Sections of Allergic Rhinitis Rats via Multicolor Immunoassay
06:08

Immunofluorescent Labeling in Nasal Mucosa Tissue Sections of Allergic Rhinitis Rats via Multicolor Immunoassay

Published on: September 22, 2023

Monozygotic twins discordant for intermittent allergic rhinitis differ in mRNA and protein levels

A-K M Sjogren1, F Barrenas, A Muraro

  • 1The Unit for Clinical Systems Biology, Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

Allergy
|April 21, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Monozygotic (MZ) twins discordant for intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR) reveal gene expression differences not linked to genetics. This study highlights discordant MZ twins as a valuable model for uncovering non-genetic disease mechanisms in complex conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Genetics
  • Allergy Research

Background:

  • Complex diseases often have multifactorial causes, involving both genetic and environmental factors.
  • Monozygotic (MZ) twins, who share identical DNA, are valuable for dissecting genetic versus non-genetic contributions to disease.
  • Intermittent allergic rhinitis (IAR) presents a unique model due to its seasonal nature and identifiable external triggers.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate gene expression differences in MZ twins discordant for IAR, aiming to identify disease mechanisms independent of genetic variations.
  • To establish discordant MZ twins as a model for studying non-genetic disease mechanisms.

Main Methods:

  • Blood samples were collected from MZ twins discordant for IAR during their non-allergic season.
  • Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were challenged in vitro with pollen allergen.
  • mRNA and protein expression levels were analyzed in isolated CD4+ T cells and cell supernatants.

Main Results:

  • Significant differences in disease-relevant mRNA and protein expression were identified between discordant MZ twins.
  • No significant differences in microRNA expression were observed between the discordant twins.
  • These findings suggest non-genetic factors influence gene expression in IAR.

Conclusions:

  • MZ twins discordant for IAR serve as an effective model for identifying disease mechanisms not attributable to genetic variants.
  • The study successfully pinpointed specific mRNA and protein differences related to IAR in a genetically identical discordant twin pair.
  • This approach offers a novel pathway to understand the environmental and epigenetic factors driving complex diseases.

More Related Videos

Identification and Characterization of Immunogenic RNA Species in HDM Allergens that Modulate Eosinophilic Lung Inflammation08:44

Identification and Characterization of Immunogenic RNA Species in HDM Allergens that Modulate Eosinophilic Lung Inflammation

Published on: May 30, 2020

Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Managing Allergic Rhinitis03:40

Acupoint Catgut Embedding Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine for Managing Allergic Rhinitis

Published on: December 20, 2024

Related Concept Videos

Cross-reactivity00:42

Cross-reactivity

Overview
Exon Recombination02:32

Exon Recombination

The evolution of new genes is critical for speciation. Exon recombination, also known as exon shuffling or domain shuffling, is an important means of new gene formation. It is observed across vertebrates, invertebrates, and in some plants such as potatoes and sunflowers. During exon recombination, exons from the same or different genes recombine and produce new exon-intron combinations, which might evolve into new genes. 
Exon shuffling follows “splice frame rules.” Each exon has three reading...
Epistasis Analysis01:09

Epistasis Analysis

Although Mendel chose seven unrelated traits in peas to study gene segregation, most traits involve multiple gene interactions that create a spectrum of phenotypes. When the interaction of various genes or alleles at different locations influences a phenotype, this is called epistasis. Epistasis often involves one gene masking or interfering with the expression of another (antagonistic epistasis). Epistasis often occurs when different genes are part of the same biochemical pathway. The...
Epistasis01:39

Epistasis

In addition to multiple alleles at the same locus influencing traits, numerous genes or alleles at different locations may interact and influence phenotypes in a phenomenon called epistasis. For example, rabbit fur can be black or brown depending on whether the animal is homozygous dominant or heterozygous at a TYRP1 locus. However, if the rabbit is also homozygous recessive at a locus on the tyrosinase gene (TYR), it will have an unshaded coat that appears white, regardless of its TYRP1...
Asthma I: Introduction01:28

Asthma 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...
Allergic Reactions02:06

Allergic Reactions

Overview