Omic Sciences: New Horizons in Food Allergy
Omic Sciences: New Horizons in Food Allergy
Among the results of the Human Genome Project, genome-wide association studies have provided substantial information about genotype/phenotype correlations. A good example in our field is the identification of at least 12 genes associated with immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels, including six genes within the major histocompatibility complex. IgE are an excellent endophenotypical marker for the evaluation of food allergy, as they are genetically inherited, easy to measure, and often biologically reflect the phenotype. Total and specific IgE, however, cannot adequately capture the clinical spectrum of food allergy. Other allergy susceptibility loci identified through genome-wide association studies include genes related to recruitment or activation of inflammatory cells, T-cell response and differentiation (including some human leukocyte antigen genes), and cell-signaling modulation. The example of IgE illustrates the potentials and limits of the genomics approach. The expression of the information contained in the genetic code is not only regulated by factors related to the genome itself (regulatory genes, effects of silent DNA portions), but also by interactions with environmental factors such as commensal microorganisms, nutritional aspects, and exposure to drugs or toxic substances. They act on genomic expression by regulating DNA transcription. Their net effect is measurable by the characterization of the RNA transcripts.
Genomics of Food Allergy
Among the results of the Human Genome Project, genome-wide association studies have provided substantial information about genotype/phenotype correlations. A good example in our field is the identification of at least 12 genes associated with immunoglobulin (Ig) E levels, including six genes within the major histocompatibility complex. IgE are an excellent endophenotypical marker for the evaluation of food allergy, as they are genetically inherited, easy to measure, and often biologically reflect the phenotype. Total and specific IgE, however, cannot adequately capture the clinical spectrum of food allergy. Other allergy susceptibility loci identified through genome-wide association studies include genes related to recruitment or activation of inflammatory cells, T-cell response and differentiation (including some human leukocyte antigen genes), and cell-signaling modulation. The example of IgE illustrates the potentials and limits of the genomics approach. The expression of the information contained in the genetic code is not only regulated by factors related to the genome itself (regulatory genes, effects of silent DNA portions), but also by interactions with environmental factors such as commensal microorganisms, nutritional aspects, and exposure to drugs or toxic substances. They act on genomic expression by regulating DNA transcription. Their net effect is measurable by the characterization of the RNA transcripts.
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