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An admixture mapping meta-analysis implicates genetic variation at 18q21 with asthma susceptibility in Latinos
Christopher R Gignoux1, Dara G Torgerson2, Maria Pino-Yanes3
1Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmacogenomics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif; Department of Bioengineering & Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, Calif.
Genetic ancestry analysis in Latinos revealed Native American ancestry increases asthma risk, while European ancestry offers protection. Decreased SMAD2 gene expression is linked to higher asthma risk and exacerbations.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Epidemiology
- Immunology
Background:
- Asthma exhibits significant racial/ethnic disparities in prevalence and morbidity.
- Understanding genetic contributions to asthma susceptibility is crucial for targeted therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel genetic loci contributing to asthma susceptibility using admixture mapping in a Latino population.
- To investigate the role of genetic ancestry in asthma risk and response to treatment.
Main Methods:
- Admixture mapping meta-analysis of asthma susceptibility in 3902 Latinos.
- Replication in an independent cohort of 3774 Latinos and targeted sequencing for fine mapping.
- Correlation of gene expression with asthma status and exacerbations in over 500 subjects.
Main Results:
- A genome-wide significant admixture peak at 18q21 was identified, with Native American ancestry linked to increased asthma risk and European ancestry to protection.
- Replicated findings in an independent cohort, identifying associations with variants upstream of SMAD2.
- Lower SMAD2 blood expression correlated with increased asthma risk and more frequent exacerbations.
Conclusions:
- Genetic ancestry at 18q21 is significantly associated with asthma in Latinos, implicating noncoding variants near SMAD2.
- Decreased SMAD2 expression is strongly linked to increased asthma risk and exacerbations, suggesting a potential therapeutic target.
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