Epigenetic markers are emerging as genetic and environmental mediators of complex disease phenotypes such as paediatric asthma and allergies. Over the last year, epigenome-wide association studies have added to the expanding body of data indicating strong correlations between epigenetic control of gene expression and asthma and allergies. Children’s studies have discovered eosinophil signatures in peripheral blood, Th2 cell transcription factors and cytokines in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and respiratory epithelial failure. Importantly, investigations at birth have begun to understand the role of epigenetic markers in the onset of asthma. A few studies have also begun to investigate the role of genetics and the environment in these relationships.
The next generation of epigenome-wide association studies, which will account for confounders, investigate the role of genetics and environment, and combine various datasets to offer a more accurate interpretation of the findings, is on the horizon. Identification of key epigenetic marks that are shaped by genetics and the environment and influence transcription of specific genes will allow us to gain a better understanding of the aetiology, heterogeneity, and severity of asthma, as well as develop biologically driven therapeutics and biomarkers for secondary prevention of this disease.
