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Genetic susceptibility to asthma in a changing environment
E R Bleecker1, D S Postma, D A Meyers
1University of Maryland School of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA.
Ciba Foundation Symposium
|January 1, 1997
Summary
Genetic factors significantly influence asthma and allergy. This study identified a gene linked to asthma on chromosome 5q, suggesting a recessive inheritance pattern for IgE levels.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Asthma and allergy have a significant genetic component.
- Understanding the genetic basis is crucial for complex diseases.
- Family and twin studies indicate heritability for asthma and related traits.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate genetic factors contributing to asthma and allergy.
- Identify specific genes and their inheritance patterns.
- Characterize the phenotypic spectrum of asthma.
Main Methods:
- Phenotyping of 92 families (over 500 individuals) for allergy and asthma traits.
- DNA collection for genotyping and genetic analysis.
- Segregation analysis and sib pair linkage studies for total serum IgE and bronchial hyper-responsiveness.
Main Results:
- Familial aggregation of asthma suggests a strong genetic influence.
- Total serum IgE showed evidence for recessive inheritance.
- Linkage analysis identified a gene regulating IgE production on chromosome 5q.
- Bronchial hyper-responsiveness also showed linkage to chromosome 5q.
Conclusions:
- A significant genetic component underlies asthma and related allergic conditions.
- A gene on chromosome 5q is implicated in regulating IgE production and bronchial hyper-responsiveness.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the genetic architecture of asthma.