Computational identification of gene-social environment interaction at the human IL6 locus.

ABSTRACT: To identify genetic factors that interact with social environments to impact human health, we used a bioinformatic strategy that couples expression array-based detection of environmentally responsive transcription factors with in silico discovery of regulatory polymorphisms to predict genetic loci that modulate transcriptional responses to stressful environments. Tests of one predicted interaction locus in the human IL6 promoter (SNP rs1800795) verified that it modulates transcriptional response to beta-adrenergic activation of the GATA1 transcription factor in vitro. In vivo validation studies confirmed links between adverse social conditions and increased transcription of GATA1 target genes in primary neural, immune, and cancer cells. Epidemiologic analyses verified the health significan

SUBMITTER: Cole SW 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2851818 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature