ADAM gene linked to asthma

gene are associated with asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness.

Written byTudor Toma
| 1 min read

Register for free to listen to this article
Listen with Speechify
0:00
1:00
Share

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder with a strong genetic component, but the exact genes involved have remained unclear. In 11 July Nature, Paul Van Eerdewegh and colleagues from the Genome Therapeutics Corporation, Massachusetts, US and the University of Southampton, UK, show that specific mutations in the ADAM33 (membrane-anchored metalloproteases) genes are associated with asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness (Nature 2002, DOI:10.1038/nature00878).

Van Eerdewegh et al. performed a genome-wide scan on 460 Caucasian families and identified a locus on chromosome 20p13 that was linked to asthma and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. In addition, a survey of 135 polymorphisms in 23 genes using case-control, transmission disequilibrium and haplotype analyses identified the ADAM33 gene as being significantly associated with asthma (P= 0.04–0.000003). They estimate the gene could play a significant role in up to 40% of all asthma cases.

"Our studies suggest ADAM33 plays a role in [airway] remodeling and may underlie abnormalities in asthmatic ...

Interested in reading more?

Become a Member of

The Scientist Logo
Receive full access to more than 35 years of archives, as well as TS Digest, digital editions of The Scientist, feature stories, and much more!
Already a member? Login Here

Meet the Author

Share
Illustration of a developing fetus surrounded by a clear fluid with a subtle yellow tinge, representing amniotic fluid.
January 2026, Issue 1

What Is the Amniotic Fluid Composed of?

The liquid world of fetal development provides a rich source of nutrition and protection tailored to meet the needs of the growing fetus.

View this Issue
Skip the Wait for Protein Stability Data with Aunty

Skip the Wait for Protein Stability Data with Aunty

Unchained Labs
Graphic of three DNA helices in various colors

An Automated DNA-to-Data Framework for Production-Scale Sequencing

illumina
Exploring Cellular Organization with Spatial Proteomics

Exploring Cellular Organization with Spatial Proteomics

Abstract illustration of spheres with multiple layers, representing endoderm, ectoderm, and mesoderm derived organoids

Organoid Origins and How to Grow Them

Thermo Fisher Logo

Products

nuclera logo

Nuclera eProtein Discovery System installed at leading Universities in Taiwan

Brandtech Logo

BRANDTECH Scientific Introduces the Transferpette® pro Micropipette: A New Twist on Comfort and Control

Biotium Logo

Biotium Launches GlycoLiner™ Cell Surface Glycoprotein Labeling Kits for Rapid and Selective Cell Surface Imaging

Colorful abstract spiral dot pattern on a black background

Thermo Scientific X and S Series General Purpose Centrifuges

Thermo Fisher Logo