Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2025

Candidate Gene Testing in Clinical Cohort Studies with Multiplexed Genotyping and Mass Spectrometry
Published on: June 21, 2018
The A118G single-nucleotide polymorphism in OPRM1 is a risk factor for asthma severity
Kaori Kawakami1, Tomomitsu Miyasaka1, Yutaka Nakamura2
1Division of Pathophysiology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan.
The OPRM1 GG genotype is linked to increased asthma severity and airway hyperresponsiveness. This genetic variation enhances allergic immune responses, particularly Th2 cell differentiation, in asthma patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Genetics
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Emotional burden is linked to asthma severity, but genetic risk factors remain unclear.
- The study investigates the genetic influence of a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the OPRM1 gene (A118G) on asthma severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the genetic influence of the OPRM1 A118G SNP on asthma severity.
- To investigate the mechanism by which this SNP affects the allergic immune response.
Main Methods:
- Assessed asthma severity in outpatients with the OPRM1 A118G SNP.
- Used a rodent model of experimental asthma with the equivalent SNP to study immune response mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Patients with the OPRM1 GG genotype showed enhanced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR).
- GG mice exhibited aggravated asthma features and increased pulmonary T cells compared to AA mice.
- Naloxone methiodide treatment in GG mice normalized effector T cell and eosinophil levels, indicating Th2 cell involvement.
Conclusions:
- The OPRM1 GG genotype is associated with enhanced AHR in asthma patients, independent of forced stress.
- This enhanced AHR is attributed to increased Th2 cell differentiation in regional lymph nodes.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the OPRM1 A118G genotype's role in Th2 cell differentiation.
More Related Videos
09:34Targeted Next-generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics Pipeline to Evaluate Genetic Determinants of Constitutional Disease
Published on: April 4, 2018
10:21Author Spotlight: Exploring the Role of Inflammation in the Co-occurrence of Primary Sjogren's Syndrome and Lung Adenocarcinoma
Published on: September 20, 2024
Related Concept Videos
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: 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.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms-SNPs
Human Genetics
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes: