Background: STAT6 has an important role in the IL-4 / IL-13 signalling pathway. Genome - wide association studies have shown that particular polymorphism (SNP) or haplotype variants of STAT6 as well as epigenetic gene modifications are associated with IgE level and asthma in childhood.
Methods: A review of the available literature was performed to map out the function and signalling pathway of STAT6, studies of STAT6 SNPs association with susceptibility to asthma and atopy, covering the years 1997 - 2012 were summarized, and the value of epigenetic and epistatic influences on STAT6 and their relevance to the development of the studied phenotype (atopy or asthma) were determined.
Results: There are 2 SNPs (rs71802646 and rs320411) with clinical association and proven functional effect on STAT6 expression. The effect of STAT6 SNPs cumulates in haplotypes and more potently during interaction with SNPs in the genes from the signalling pathway (IL4, IL4Ra, and IL13). Expression of STAT6 is also influenced by DNA methylation. Atopy is traditionally believed to be maternally inherited but there is one report about paternally overtransmitted STAT6 haplotype (TCA haplotype, built from rs324011, rs3024974 and rs4559 SNPs).
Conclusions: STAT6 polymorphisms and their combinations have an important influence on IgE level and development of asthma. However, the interaction between SNPs in the IL-4 / IL-13 signalling pathway is of greater impact. Hypermethylation of the STAT6 promoter is also significant in the regulation of STAT6 expression and this fact opens possibilities for targeting therapy in asthma.