Identify and treat severe asthma patients who have airway levels of GSNO reductase.

Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland OH

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Project 1 Abstract Accumulating evidence points to an important association between asthma and deficiency of airway S- nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), an association mediated by the enzyme GSNO reductase (GSNOR). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in GSNOR have been linked with asthmatic symptoms and with response to ? adrenergic receptor agonists, while increases in GSNOR activity in human airways have been identified with heightened asthmatic responsiveness. Studies with GSNOR knockout mice support a central role of this enzyme in asthma models. However, GSNOR expression in humans is quite variable and the GSNOR SNP relationships are dependent on the population cohort. Thus, not all patients with asthma have increased GSNOR activity. Here we apply diagnostic tests to identify subsets of asthma patients whose disease can be characterized by GSNO depletion. We will also test the hypothesis that bronchodilatory responsiveness to GSNO and combinations of GSNO and ? adrenergic receptor agonist will be defined by airway GSNOR expression and activity. Because new GSNO-mimetic and GSNO inhibitory agents are in development and early clinical testing, we plan in Cycle II of this program to develop an approach of personalizing these new therapies for those asthma patients with increased GSNOR activity. Ultimately, in collaboration with Projects 2 and 3, we expect that this personalized approach to diagnosing and correcting increased GSNOR activity can be extended to the treatment of CF patients.