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The Week in Germany: Business, Technology and the Environment

June 6, 2007

Scientists find Genetic Origin of Asthma in Children

Photo: Colourbox

Scientists from The National Genome Research Network (NGFN), which encompasses universities and research institutions throughout Germany, have identified gene variants that increase the risk of asthma for children significantly.

The working group lead by Dr. Michael Kabesch of the Ludwig-Maximilians- Universität in Munich, researched the DNA of more than 2000 children along with European and American colleagues.

They analysed tiny changes in the genome – so-called SNPs. In these genetic mutations only one gene letter is changed at a certain place in the genetic make-up. The scientists identified over 317,000 variations. “Multiple gene mutations on one section of chromosome 17 increase the risk of asthma by 50 percent”, explained Kabesch.

Further research showed that the gene mutation on chromosome 17 influences the creation of the hitherto unknown protein ORMDL3. The blood cells of children with asthma contain more ORMDL3 than the cells of healthy children. The exact function of the protein, however, remains unclear.

“The ‘disease-gene’ that we have now found, had up until now not been connected to asthma in any way. The effects are astounding. In several independent examinations, we were able to show that we are dealing with an important asthma gene,” said Kabesch. “We are currently in the process of finding out how ORMDL3 influences the creation of asthma. This could be an important step on the path to a better understanding of asthma and to a more effective and sustainable therapy,” he added.

Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic illnesses among children. Environmental as well as genetic factors play a role in the onset of asthma.

To research the genetic origins of this disease, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research has supported the research in the The National Genome Research Network since 2001. The results from the study have been published in the current issue of "Nature“. (Young Germany)

Links:

The National Genome Research Network

Federal Ministry of Education and Research

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