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This project aims to investigate if there is a possible link between an activating mutation in the c-kit oncogene and the risk of developing severe food allergy.
<p>This project is studying four well-defined subject groups in statistically significant cohorts to confirm these preliminary results. Suitable patients have been identified and blood samples taken and analysed for the presence of c-kit mutations.
<p>Sequencing results will be compared with information about the allergic status of the subject, and a link between the presence of a mutation and the occurrence of anaphylaxis will be determined statistically.
This proposal is based upon preliminary data, which came from screening food allergic and non-food allergic individuals.
<p>If a link between an activating mutation in the c-kit oncogene and the risk of developing severe food allergy is established, this study could form the basis of larger scale studies to correlate this mutation with the risk of anaphylaxis in a range of food allergens.
<p>The proposal falls within the FSA remit in providing the mechanism by which at risk individuals can be identified both for targeted advice and in FSA-funded studies into food allergy.
<p>Find more about this project and other FSA food safety-related projects at the <a href="http://www.food.gov.uk/science/research/" target="_blank">Food Standards Agency Research webpage</a>.