Candidate genes of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: current evidence and research

• Main Authors: Zhou W, Wang Y
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dove Medical Press 2016-02-01
• Series: The Application of Clinical Genetics
• Subjects: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis; candidate genes; susceptibility
• Online Access: https://www.dovepress.com/candidate-genes-of-idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis-current-evidence-and--peer-reviewed-article-TACG

Wei Zhou,1,2 Yaping Wang1,2 1Department of Medical Genetics, 2Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, People's Republic of China Abstract: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a group of common and lethal forms of idiopathic interstitial pulmonary disease. IPF is characterized by a progressive decline in lung function with a median survival of 2–3 years after diagnosis. Although the pathogenesis of the disease remains unknown, genetic predisposition could play a causal role in IPF. A set of genes have been identified as candidate genes of IPF in the past 20 years. However, the recent technological advances that allow for the analysis of millions of polymorphisms in different subjects have deepened the understanding of the genetic complexity of IPF susceptibility. Genome-wide association studies and whole-genome sequencing continue to reveal the genetic loci associated with IPF risk. In this review, we describe candidate genes on the basis of their functions and aim to gain a better understanding of the genetic basis of IPF. The discovered candidate genes may help to clarify pivotal aspects in the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapies of IPF. Keywords: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, candidate genes, susceptibility