Open AcceReview The genetics of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous disease caused by the interaction of genetic susceptibility and environmental influences. There is increasing evidence that genes link to disease pathogenesis and heterogeneity by causing variation in protease anti-protease systems, defence against oxidative stress and inflammation. The main methods of genomic research for complex disease traits are described, together with the genes implicated in COPD thus far, their roles in disease causation and the future for this area of investigation. Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is charac-terised by airflow limitation that is not fully reversible, which usually progresses, together with an abnormal inflammatory response to noxious particles or gases [1]. Patients may have chronic bronchitis [2], emphysema[3], small airways disease or a combination of these, with or without systemic manifestations of the disease [4]. Thi