Grant: Master's Award: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Allergic diseases including hay fever (allergic rhinitis) have increased in prevalence and now approximately 1 in 5 Canadians have allergic rhinitis (AR) or other respiratory allergies such as asthma. Those with eczema or atopic dermatitis (AD) are also more likely to develop AR and asthma later in life. This is known as the atopic march, and emphasizes the need for improved primary prevention of respiratory allergies. The skin is our primary defense against the environment, and any injuries to this barrier can facilitate the entry of microorganisms and/or allergenic molecules. Our project is investigating the role of filaggrin ( FLG ) gene mutations in AR. FLG is a key protein involved in maintaining a healthy skin barrier. Mutations in this gene can produce non-functional FLG protein, leading to an impaired skin barrier, perhaps facilitating entry of allergenic molecules and subsequent sensitization. FLG mutations represent the strongest genetic risk factor for developing AD and can further increase the risk of asthma. It is known that FLG mutations are clearly associated with other allergic diseases (such as food allergies), but their association with AR has not been adequately studied. Ultimately, results from this project may lead to the development of preventative interventions and alternative treatment strategies for at-risk individuals.