UChicago tool uncovers 19 new asthma genes via trans-regulation

Researchers at UChicago and Columbia University developed a computational tool called DANDELION that identified 21 asthma-related genes, 19 of which were previously unknown. The findings were validated through CRISPR screens and mouse models. The tool focuses on trans-gene regulation, tracing how distant genetic variants influence core disease-driving genes, unlike traditional GWAS methods that only find nearby genes. Experimental validation confirmed most identified genes directly impact asthma-related cell functions. Two genes, SLC27A3 and SCD, were found to work in the same fatty acid metabolism pathway involving protein palmitoylation, a process not previously linked to asthma. Mouse models confirmed these genes alter asthma susceptibility, suggesting new drug targets.