Published: 07-11-2024 08:58 | Updated: 14-11-2024 14:29

New thesis identifies subgroups of asthma

Photo: Erik Cronberg

Tahmina Akhter from the Biosciences and Nutrition Unit at the Department of Medicine, Huddinge, is defending her thesis titled "Classification of asthma with cross-cohort clinical data and with enhancer mediated gene regulation", on 15 November, 2024. Main supervisor is Carsten Daub (MedH).

Portrait of Tahmina Akhter
Tahmina Akhter. Photo: Carsten Daub

What is the main focus of your thesis?

The main focus of my thesis is to explore the biological processes behind inflammatory diseases like Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and asthma, as well as metabolic disorders such as obesity. I use a variety of data sources—like proteins, genes, and their regulation—to identify important markers and mechanisms that can help improve how we diagnose and treat these complex health issues. By understanding these connections better, we can develop more effective strategies for managing these diseases.

What are the most important results?

In my thesis, I discovered different subgroups of asthma that show just how varied this disease can be. By identifying these subgroups, I found important markers that can help us understand who might be affected in different ways. Additionally, I looked at specific regions of our DNA that interact with genes involved in our immune response. These interactions play a significant role in how severe a person’s asthma can be. Overall, these findings give us valuable insights into how asthma works and can lead to more personalized and effective treatments for those who suffer from this condition.

How can this new knowledge contribute to the improvement of people’s health?

This new knowledge can greatly improve people’s health in a few key ways. First, by identifying different asthma subgroups and their unique markers, we can create personalized treatment plans that fit each patient's specific needs. This means more effective management of the disease.

Second, understanding how certain regions of DNA interact with genes that regulate our immune response gives us clues about new treatment options. This can help us develop therapies aimed at reducing the severity of asthma symptoms.

Finally, bringing together various types of biological data helps us better understand complex diseases like asthma. This can lead to earlier diagnoses and more accurate predictions about how the disease will progress, ultimately improving patients' health outcomes and their quality of life.

What are your future ambitions? 

In the future, I hope to dive deeper into the study of different types of biological data to better understand complex diseases. My goal is to find specific markers and treatment targets that doctors can use directly in their practices. Ultimately, I want to lead efforts that turn these research discoveries into real-world solutions, helping to improve patient care and make managing diseases easier for everyone.

Dissertation

Friday, 15 November, at 09:30, Nils Ringertz, Solnavägen 9, Campus Solna.

Thesis

Classification of asthma with cross-cohort clinical data and with enhancer mediated gene regulation