Our laboratory focuses on determining whether variations in DNA may explain the observed variability in the severity of disease, in the response to treatment, or in the development of complications observed in certain pediatric diseases. Our work involves genotyping single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in study participants. SNPs genotyped include both linkage disequilibrium tag SNPs and nonsynonymous SNPs found in coding regions. In addition, SNPs are used to generate haplotypes which are used for analyses. We are also interested in whether SNPs which associate with severity of disease or response to treatment also result in differences in level or function of the encoded protein. Identification of DNA polymorphisms or haplotypes associated with severity of disease may allow their use as markers, enabling the physician to better predict which children are more likely to develop more severe illness and/or which treatment is likely to result in the best response for a given individual.
Current projects include investigating the influence of genetic variation in specific candidate genes involved in the regulation of lung function or innate immunity on the risk of severe lung injury in children with pneumonia, and characterizing mutations in the ABCA3 gene associated with lung disease.
Click here for Dr. Dahmers Faculty Collaboration Database profile page, which includes an up to date listing of his publications.
Click here for Dr. Quasney's Faculty Collaboration Database profile page, which includes an up to date listing of his publications.