A case-control based genomic analysis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is a respiratory illness that affects a large number of people all over the world. It is a major cause of chronic morbidity and mortality and a serious global public health problem. COPD is the fourth leading cause of death worldwide. Although the environmental causes of COPD which predominantly include cigarette smoking are well-documented, to this date the genetic underpinnings of COPD remain largely unknown. Furthermore, in the current landscape of a respiratory pandemic, COPD patients are at a much higher risk for developing other respiratory illnesses and co-morbidities. Treatment methods for this disease have remained the same over the years. In this study we use genomic data from case-control based cohorts to study the genetic patterns and profiles of patients with this illness in order to identify key genetic factors and thereby gain a deeper understanding of the disease. This understanding would lead to greater insight on how to better diagnose, manage and treat this disease. A clearer insight at the genomic level would assist in actionable outcomes than could be leveraged to adopt a more Precision Medicine based modality to manage this disease thereby leading to more effective and better treatment options which would improve overall patient health outcomes.