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These studies suggest that genetic factors significantly contribute to COPD susceptibility, with multiple genetic variants and loci being associated with the disease.
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality globally. While environmental factors, particularly cigarette smoking, are well-known contributors to COPD, genetic factors also play a crucial role in determining an individual's susceptibility to the disease .
The most well-established genetic risk factor for COPD is the SERPINA1 gene, which encodes alpha-1 antitrypsin. Deficiency in alpha-1 antitrypsin, a condition known as alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, significantly increases the risk of developing COPD .
Recent advances in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified multiple genetic loci associated with COPD. Notable loci include CHRNA3/5 on chromosome 15, which is also linked to nicotine dependence and lung cancer, and FAM13A on chromosome 4, which has been associated with both COPD and lung function .
Several other genetic variants have been implicated in COPD susceptibility. These include:
Genetic risk scores, which aggregate the effects of multiple genetic variants, have been developed to predict COPD risk. These scores have shown modest but significant effects on COPD risk and lung function, accounting for a small percentage of the variance in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1).
Interestingly, some genetic loci associated with COPD also overlap with loci for other respiratory diseases. For example, FAM13A and DSP are shared with pulmonary fibrosis, although they have opposite risk alleles for COPD. This highlights the complex genetic architecture of COPD and its relationship with other lung diseases.
In summary, while environmental factors like smoking are primary contributors to COPD, genetic factors also play a significant role. Key genetic associations, such as those involving SERPINA1, CHRNA3/5, and FAM13A, have been identified through GWAS and other genetic studies. These findings enhance our understanding of COPD pathogenesis and may lead to more targeted interventions in the future.
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