A genomic analysis in twins where one has asthma and one does not
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Longitudinal Epigenomic Analysis in Monozygotic Twins Discordant for Asthma
IRAS ID
164810
Contact name
Barbara Dahill
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
REC/1997, TEDS E-Risk Study
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
The overall goal of this study is to utilise cutting-edge epigenomic technologies to examine the role of DNA methylation in asthma. This will lead to a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in a chronic illness which affects 5.4 million people in the UK. Despite considerable research effort we are still a long way from realising the underpinnings of asthma and it is hoped that this project will allow us to understand the condition and ultimately the development of novel therapeutic strategies for asthma. Participants will be selected from a current study, the TEDS Environmental Risk Longitudinal Twin Study (E-Risk)which is a longitudinal twin study from which we have relevant information regarding their history of asthma. All participants will be monozygotic twin pairs informative for asthma phenotypes at age 18. The project is funded by the American Asthma Foundation and will involve participants being invited to the Clinical Research Facility at Guy's Hospital providing buccal, nasal epithelial, and blood samples. They will also be asked to complete a respiratory test that will access their lung function, provide a mucosal sample and complete a skin allergy test. The study will last approximately 1 year with each assessment visit lasting up to 3 hours.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Bradford Leeds Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/YH/1251
Date of REC Opinion
6 Nov 2014
REC opinion
Unfavourable Opinion