Genome-wide association study of allergic diseases in Russians of West Siberia

Genome-wide association studies are currently considered as one of the most powerful tools for establishing the genetic basis of complex diseases. A number of such studies have been carried out for allergic diseases; however, in the Russian population, this analysis has not been performed so far. For the first time, we performed a genome-wide association study of allergic diseases in Russian residents of West Siberia. Two new loci associated with childhood bronchial asthma (20q13.12, rs2425656, P = 1.99 x 10(-7); 1q32.1, rs3817222, rs12734001, P = 2.18 x 10(-7) and 2.79 x 10(-7), respectively) as well as one locus associated with allergic rhinitis (2q36.1, rs1597167, P = 3.69 x 10(-7)) were identified. Genes located in these loci, YWHAB and PPP1R12B for asthma and KCNE4 for allergic rhinitis, are suggested as new candidate genes for these diseases. It was also found that BAT1 (6p21.33), MAGI2 (7q21.11), and ACPL2 (3q23) are probably common (syntropic) genes of allergic disease and atopic sensitization. It was shown that RIT2 (18q12.3) and FSTL4 (5q31.1) genes can be involved in the control of lung function. The results of the study contribute to the body of data on genetic factors of allergy and expand the list of genes underlying these diseases.