Dataset Information

DNA methylation and childhood asthma in the inner city.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Epigenetic marks are heritable, influenced by the environment, direct the maturation of T lymphocytes, and in mice enhance the development of allergic airway disease. Thus it is important to define epigenetic alterations in asthmatic populations.

Objective

We hypothesize that epigenetic alterations in circulating PBMCs are associated with allergic asthma.

Methods

We compared DNA methylation patterns and gene expression in inner-city children with persistent atopic asthma versus healthy control subjects by using DNA and RNA from PBMCs. Results were validated in an independent population of asthmatic patients.