[Genetic diagnosis for inherited lung disorders].

Technological advances in molecular biology, as well as in genetic engineering, have created a revolutionary movement in both clinical and diagnostic methodologies. With progress in human genome analysis, the genes responsible for various diseases have been analyzed at a rapid pace. Research involving respiratory disease is no exception. Emphasis in this area has shifted from respiratory physiology to molecular biology. One example is cystic fibrosis(CF). However, CF is relatively rare in Japan. Furthermore, the search for universal genes that trigger bronchial asthma has not been successful. Genetic testing for respiratory disease has not been conducted as a component of general, routine clinical tests in Japan, due to the aforementioned reasons. Therefore, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce genetic respiratory diseases, the present state of genetic testing and prospects for the future.