Genome-wide expression profiles identify potential targets for gene-environment interactions in asthma severity

Background Gene-environment interaction studies using genome-wide association study data are often underpowered after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Differential gene expression in response to the exposure of interest can capture the most biologically relevant genes at the genome-wide level. Objective We used differential genome-wide expression profiles from the Epidemiology of Home Allergens and Asthma birth cohort in response to Der f 1 allergen (sensitized vs nonsensitized) to inform a gene-environment study of dust mite exposure and asthma severity. Methods Polymorphisms in differentially expressed genes were identified in genome-wide association study data from the Childhood Asthma Management Program, a clinical trial in childhood asthmatic patients. Home dust mite allergen levels (<10 or ≥10 μg/g dust) were assessed at baseline, and (≥1) severe asthma exacerbation (emergency department visit or hospitalization for asthma in the first trial year) served as the disease severity outcome. The Genetics of Asthma in Costa Rica Study and a Puerto Rico/Connecticut asthma cohort were used for replication. Results IL9, IL5, and proteoglycan 2 expression (PRG2) was upregulated in Der f 1-stimulated PBMCs from dust mite-sensitized patients (adjusted P <.04). IL9 polymorphisms (rs11741137, rs2069885, and rs1859430) showed evidence for interaction with dust mite in the Childhood Asthma Management Program (P =.02 to.03), with replication in the Genetics of Asthma in Costa Rica Study (P =.04). Subjects with the dominant genotype for these IL9 polymorphisms were more likely to report a severe asthma exacerbation if exposed to increased dust mite levels. Conclusions Genome-wide differential gene expression in response to dust mite allergen identified IL9, a biologically plausible gene target that might interact with environmental dust mite to increase severe asthma exacerbations in children.