Mapping susceptibility genes for asthma and allergy

Allergy and asthma are related conditions caused by a complex interaction o f genetic factors and environmental influences. With family data from sever al different populations, linkage analysis has been performed and used to i dentify regions of the genome that contain susceptibility genes for these c onditions, To date, 4 genome screens have been completed and have successfu lly identified several chromosomal locations that are likely to contain ast hma and allergy genes. Many of these regions contain potential biologic can didate genes that modulate immunologic responses or airways inflammation. B y focusing on the common regions that have been replicated in these 4 genom e screens, the major susceptibility genes for asthma and allergy should be identified, This will lead to an improved understanding of pathogenic facto rs that lead to development or progression of asthma and allergic diseases.