KIF3A, a cilia structural gene on chromosome 5q31, and its polymorphisms show an association with aspirin hypersensitivity in asthma.

INTRODUCTION

The kinesin family number 3A (KIF3A) gene on the human chromosomal 5q31-33 region, which is known as a susceptibility locus for immune diseases including asthma, plays a crucial role in generation of cilia.

RESULTS

A treatment with aspirin in the human bronchial epithelial cells increased the mRNA expression level of KIF3A compared to that of the untreated control (P ≤ 0.01), and nasal polyp epithelia from aspirin-intolerant asthma (AIA) patients also showed a higher expression of KIF3A protein than aspirin-tolerant asthma controls. Further logistic analyses revealed that most polymorphisms of KIF3A were significantly associated with AIA (P = 0.0004-0.02; P(corr) = 0.004-0.04) and the decline of forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV(1))% by aspirin provocation (P = 0.004-0.04; P(corr) = 0.03).

DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that the KIF3A gene and/or its polymorphisms might have a susceptibility effect on AIA, providing a new step toward controlling aspirin intolerance in asthmatics.