Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 10, 2026
05:53
Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 21, 2018
Selection of genes for gene-environment interaction studies: a candidate pathway-based strategy using asthma as an
Marta Rava1, Ismaïl Ahmed, Florence Demenais
1Inserm, Centre for research in Epidemiology and Population Health (CESP), U1018, Respiratory and Environmental Epidemiology Team, F-94807, Paris, Villejuif, France. marta.rava@inserm.fr
Summary
Identifying gene-environment interactions (GxE) is crucial for understanding complex diseases. This study introduces a novel gene selection strategy integrating biological pathways and environmental knowledge to improve GxE analysis.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Environmental Health
- Bioinformatics
Background:
- Gene by environment (GxE) interactions are vital for understanding multifactorial diseases.
- Current GxE investigation methods include candidate gene approaches and genome-wide association studies.
- Identifying GxE interactions remains a significant challenge in complex disease research.
Purpose of the Study:
- Propose a novel gene selection strategy for investigating gene-environment interactions.
- Integrate biological process information, canonical pathways, and environmental knowledge into gene selection.
- Enhance the identification of joint effects of environmental and genetic factors in disease.
Main Methods:
- Developed a gene selection strategy incorporating biological pathways and environmental context.
- Utilized bioinformatics resources and biological expertise for gene filtering.
- Applied the strategy to asthma, considering tobacco smoke exposure and genes involved in oxidative stress response.
Main Results:
- The proposed filtering strategy identified 28 pathways.
- A total of 182 genes were selected for further GxE investigation.
- Demonstrated a focused gene selection for GxE studies.
Conclusions:
- Integrating environmental information into gene selection improves GxE interaction identification.
- The strategy enhances the ability to detect joint effects of genetic and environmental factors.
- This approach offers a more targeted method for GxE research in complex diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:20Gene-Environment Interactions
Gene expression is a dynamic process that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. This interaction underlies the complex nature of biological development and the phenotypic differences observed among individuals, even among those with identical genetic makeups. Factors such as radiation, temperature, behavior, nutrition, and stress play pivotal roles in determining how genes are expressed. The concept of the reaction range is central to understanding this interaction. It posits...
02:27Background and Environment Affect Phenotype
Although the genetic makeup of an organism plays a major role in determining the phenotype, there are also several environmental factors, such as temperature, oxygen availability, presence of mutagens, that can alter an organism’s 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...
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...
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...
01:09Epistasis 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...
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: