Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies HLA-DP as a Susceptibility Gene for Pediatric Asthma in Asian Populations
2011

Identifying HLA-DP as a Gene Linked to Pediatric Asthma in Asian Kids

Sample size: 4314 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Noguchi Emiko, Sakamoto Hiromi, Hirota Tomomitsu, Ochiai Kaori, Imoto Yoshimasa, Sakashita Masafumi, Kurosaka Fumitake, Akasawa Akira, Yoshihara Shigemi, Kanno Noriko, Yamada Yumi, Shimojo Naoki, Kohno Yoichi, Suzuki Yoichi, Kang Mi-Jin, Kwon Ji-Won, Hong Soo-Jong, Inoue Ken, Goto Yu-ichi, Yamashita Fumio, Asada Takashi, Hirose Hiroshi, Saito Ikuo, Fujieda Shigeharu, Hizawa Nobuyuki, Sakamoto Toru, Masuko Hironori, Nakamura Yusuke, Nomura Ichiro, Tamari Mayumi, Arinami Tadao, Yoshida Teruhiko, Saito Hirohisa, Matsumoto Kenji

Primary Institution: University of Tsukuba

Hypothesis

Is there a genetic link between HLA-DP and pediatric asthma in Asian populations?

Conclusion

The study found that genetic variants in the HLA-DP locus are associated with the risk of pediatric asthma in Asian populations.

Supporting Evidence

  • The study analyzed 450,326 SNPs in pediatric asthma cases and controls.
  • SNP rs987870 was consistently associated with pediatric asthma across three independent populations.
  • Strong associations were found with HLA-DPA1*0201 and DPB1*0901 alleles.
  • The findings suggest a genetic basis for pediatric asthma susceptibility in Asian populations.
  • Previous studies have linked asthma to various genetic loci, but this is the first in Asian populations.
  • Asthma is a complex disease influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
  • High prevalence of mite sensitization in asthmatic children was noted in the study.
  • The study emphasizes the importance of HLA-class II molecules in asthma etiology.

Takeaway

Scientists looked at kids with asthma and found a gene that might make them more likely to have it. This could help us understand asthma better.

Methodology

The study conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) with 938 pediatric asthma patients and 2,376 controls, followed by validation in independent cohorts.

Potential Biases

There may be hidden population stratification affecting the results.

Limitations

The controls were from adult populations, which may include subjects who outgrew asthma, potentially affecting the results.

Participant Demographics

Participants included 938 Japanese pediatric asthma patients and 2,376 controls, with additional validation in Korean samples.

Statistical Information

P-Value

2.3×10−10

Confidence Interval

1.26–1.55

Statistical Significance

p<1×10−8

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pgen.1002170

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