Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026

Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation
Published on: January 2, 2009
Nasal DNA methylation is associated with childhood asthma
Xue Zhang1,2, Jocelyn M Biagini Myers3,4, J D Burleson3
1Division of Human Genetics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA.
Aim:
We aim to study DNA methylation (DNAm) variations associated with childhood asthma.
Methods:
Nasal DNAm was compared between sibling pairs discordant for asthma, 29 sib pairs for genome-wide association studies and 54 sib pairs for verification by pyrosequencing. Associations of methylation with asthma symptoms, allergy and environmental exposures were evaluated. In vitro experiments and functional genomic analyses were performed to explore biologic relevance.
Results:
Three CpGs were associated with asthma. cg14830002 was associated with allergies in nonasthmatics. cg23602092 was associated with asthma symptoms. cg14830002 and cg23602092 were associated with traffic-related air pollution exposure. Nearby genes were transcriptionally regulated by diesel exhaust, house dust mite and 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine. Active chromatin marks and transcription factor binding were found around these sites.
Conclusion:
We identified novel DNAm variations associated with childhood asthma and suggested new disease-contributing epigenetic mechanisms.
Related Concept Videos
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Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes:
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.
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:
Nose and Nasal Cavity

