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 (