Linkage analysis of markers on chromosome 11q13 with asthma and atopy in aUnited Kingdom population

Previous studies have suggested that atopy is linked to the beta chain of t he high affinity IgE receptor (Fc epsilon R1-beta) on chromosome 11q13. Fc epsilon R1-beta polymorphisms, I181L, V183L, and E237G, are reported to be associated with asthma and atopy. The aim of this study was to investigate linkage to Fc epsilon R1-beta in a UK population and to assess the frequenc y of the polymorphisms and their association with asthma and atopy. A sampl e of 131 families was recruited at random with a sample of 109 families asc ertained via an asthmatic proband. Each subject completed a written and vid eo-assisted questionnaire and underwent bronchial challenge and skin prick testing. Serum total and specific IgE levels were measured. Quantitative sc ores were derived for asthma and atopy using principal component analysis. Four microsatellite markers were genotyped, including Fc epsilon R1-beta. T he frequency of the I181L and V183L polymorphisms were determined by sequen cing, and the E237G polymorphism was determined using the amplification ref ractory mutation system. We found no evidence for linkage to Fc epsilon R1- beta and only weak evidence for linkage to the less informative marker E237 G, We found no examples of the I181L/V183L polymorphism in our population s ample. Our study has failed to strengthen the evidence for a candidate gene on chromosome 11q73.