The aim of the overall study is to perform a genome wide association study (GWAS) of lung function measures in children using a cross-sectional analysis as well as a separate longitudinal analysis of changes in lung function measures over time, using genotyped and imputed SNPs. In addition to this, the ALSPAC data will be used by the applicants to establish an appropriate preliminary model without genetic effects.

HYPOTHESIS:

Recent studies have shown that variations in the MMP12 gene influence both lung function growth in children with asthma and development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in smoking adults, suggesting that asthma and COPD may share some genetic underpinnings. We hypothesize that recently identified adult lung function loci may also influence lung function growth in children, and we hope to uncover additional loci that are unique to lung function growth during childhood.