23andMe And ALSPAC Identify 16 New Genetic Associations For Pollen, Dust-Mite and Cat Allergies

July 1, 2013

Meta-Analysis is largest ever genome-wide association study on common allergies

Mountain View, Calif. – July 1, 2013 – The largest genome-wide association study ever conducted on common allergies, including pollen, dust-mite and cat allergies, has identified 16 new genetic associations related to the condition. The study, conducted in collaboration between 23andMe, the leading personal genetics company, and the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), examined data for more than 53,000 individuals. The study also identified eight genetic variations for allergies that have previously been associated with asthma. Genes implicated in the study highlight a series of key pathways in the biological basis of common allergies. Allergies and allergic asthma are among the most common diseases in the industrialized world. In the United States, a 2005 survey showed that more than half of the population tested positive for sensitization to at least one of 10 common allergens, a considerable increase over results of the same survey performed approximately 10 years earlier.[i] “We’ve seen some substantial increases in prevalence of allergies and asthma,” said David Hinds, Ph.D., author and 23andMe principal scientist. “Although environmental factors certainly play a role, our study reinforces the genetic link between common allergens and a person’s susceptibility to experiencing an allergic reaction. Additionally, current estimates of the heritability of allergies are high, which suggests that understanding the genetic factors underlying allergic conditions may be key to understanding who might be most likely to suffer from allergies and how the condition might best be treated.” The study, titled “A Genome-Wide Association Meta-Analysis of Self-Reported Allergy Identifies Shared and Allergy-Specific Susceptibility Loci” was published online on June 30, 2013 in Nature Genetics, a leading monthly, international scientific journal. 23andMe selected three common self-reported allergy phenotypes – pollen, dust-mite and cat allergies – for which comparable data was available both in the 23andMe research community and in a cohort from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Data from both organizations was then included in a genome-wide association meta-analysis. “Allergy is an important component of many diseases, including asthma, eczema and hay fever, which together account for a huge burden on patients and the health services.” said professor John Henderson of ALSPAC. “This is a very exciting time for allergy research. Genetic discoveries have identified specific pathways of allergy development that are not shared with allergic diseases like asthma. Understanding these pathways could lead to eventual development of drugs that cure or prevent allergy rather than just suppressing its symptoms.” “One of the key features of this work is the demonstration that with a suitably sized study, the analysis of medically relevant questionnaire data alongside genetic variation has the potential to yield important information concerning the underlying biology of a complex outcome,” said Dr. Nic Timpson of ALSPAC. “Indeed, through this collaborative interaction with colleagues from EAGLE where specific tests of allergic sensitization were available, we were able to independently replicate many of the findings made here.” Also published on June 30, 2013 in Nature Genetics was a companion study called, “Meta-Analysis of Genome-Wide Association Studies Identifies 10 Loci Influencing Allergic Sensitization”. This study had similar methodology to the 23andMe/ALSPAC study but was conducted by the Early Genetics and Lifecourse Epidemiology research cohort (EAGLE) using clinically defined data instead of self-reported data. This provided the opportunity to compare results of self-reported data to study results based on clinically defined data. The results from the studies were generally very consistent, highlighting many of the same genes and pathways. “This coordinated approach to research significantly accelerates the replication and validation processes associated with solidifying new genetic discoveries,” said David Hinds, Ph.D, 23andMe principal scientist. “Through this collaborative effort, we have identified several genes that are responsible for a considerable proportion of allergy in the population,” said Klaus Bønnelykke, MD, PhD and principal scientist from EAGLE. “This is an important step in allergy research.”

Link to the Published Version of the 23andMe and ALSPAC Meta-Analysis:
https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ng.2686
Link to the Published Version of the EAGLE Study:
https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/ng.2694

Arbes Jr, S., Gergen, P., Elliot, L. & Zeldin, D. Prevalences of positive skin test responses to 10 common allergens in the US population: results from the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. J. Allergy Clin. Immunol. 116, 377-83 (2005).

About 23andMe

23andMe, Inc., headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, is a leading consumer genetics and research company. Founded in 2006, the company’s mission is to help people access, understand, and benefit from the human genome. 23andMe has pioneered direct access to genetic information as the only company with multiple FDA clearances for genetic health reports. The company has created the world’s largest crowdsourced platform for genetic research, with 80% of its customers electing to participate. The 23andMe research platform has generated more than 180 publications on the genetic underpinnings of a wide range of diseases. The platform also powers the 23andMe Therapeutics group, currently pursuing drug discovery programs rooted in human genetics across a spectrum of disease areas, including oncology, respiratory, and cardiovascular diseases, in addition to other therapeutic areas. More information is available at www.23andMe.com.