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Research interests
- Molecular genetics of asthma
Current Research
Asthma is a genetically complex disorder. Localization and identification of candidate genes on chromosomal regions are essential steps in the understanding of the increased susceptibility to asthma and asthma-related traits. Our initial genome-wide screen and fine-mapping studies have provided significant evidence of linkage to chromosome 11q for asthma in an African American population. Within this region, we found that one of the candidate genes, CRTH2, was associated with asthma in ethnically diverse populations. Importantly, directed functional studies have provided evidence for CRTH2 and have implicated CRTH2 on chromosome 11q as a strong candidate gene for asthma. To further elucidate the role of chromosome 11q in the pathogenesis of asthma, a dense panel of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was genotyped using an Illumina™ fine mapping panel covering the peak region, and five regions that potentially harbor susceptibility loci for asthma were identified in an African American population. The natural progression of research will focus on these regions and identify candidate genes and gene variants responsible for the initial localization of the chromosomal regions. We are therefore planning to type additional SNPs in these regions of priority to continue to narrow the blocks of association, and in the meantime, to identify candidate genes and novel pathways for the pathogenesis of asthma by the use of genomic, proteomic and bioinformatic technology. Specifically, in our study, we shall address how genes interact with each other and with key environmental factors such as tobacco smoke and endotoxin, and how the pattern of SNPs in a group of candidate genes predicts disease susceptibility. Finally, the functional relevance of the genetic variants of candidate genes to asthma will also be examined for better understanding of the pathogenesis of asthma.
Laboratory:
Peisong Gao M.D., Ph.D
Positions available
N/A
Last Updated: 3/31/06
