No abstract

www.jacionline.org) 1 : only 11q13.1 (OVOL1) replicated in the AA population. Interestingly, OVOL1 was also one of the top significant genes showing transethnic effects after the MANTRA meta-analysis performed by Paternoster et al. 1 These results suggest that AD genetic factors described to date cannot be extrapolated to AA populations and specific genetic factors need to be uncovered. In conclusion, we have identified the first genome-wide significant association for AD in AAs and replicated the association in individuals of European ancestry. The top SNP at the locus, rs3811419, is an eQTL for THEM4, a gene previously associated with allergy 5 and FLG-AS1, a long noncoding RNA that overlaps the fillagrin gene. Although we provide replication of the association in individuals of European ancestry, replication in an independent AA sample and elucidation of the exact biological role of these variants in AD is needed. We thank all patients and control subjects for their participation in the study and the eMERGE phenotyping group and researchers.

Gel-forming mucins secreted by conjunctival goblet cells have been implicated in the clearance of allergens, pathogens, and debris. However, their roles remain incompletely understood. Here we show that human and mouse conjunctival goblet cell mucins have Alcian blue-detectable sialic acids, but not sulfates in the steady state. Interestingly, Balb/c mouse strain lacks this sialylation due to a point mutation in a sialyltransferase gene, St6galnac1, which is responsible for sialyl-Tn synthesis. Introduction of intact St6galnac1 to Balb/c restores the sialylation of conjunctival goblet cell mucus. Sialylated mucus efficiently captures and encapsulates the allergen particles in an impenetrable layer, leading to the protection of mice from the development of allergic conjunctivitis. Expression of ST6GALNAC1 and sialyl-Tn is upregulated in humans under conditions with chronic stimuli. These results indicate that the sialylated glycans on the ocular mucins play an essential role in maintaining the conjunctival mucosa by protecting from the incoming foreign bodies such as allergen particles.

et al. High-fat diet exacerbates early psoriatic skin inflammation independent of obesity: saturated fatty acids as key players.