title: Hot topics from the Assemblies.
abstract: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) serum levels are known to be associated with allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis and hay fever. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have found several genetic variants associated with IgE levels. The variants identified however account for only 1-2% of the total variability for this trait and GWAS have failed to identify new targets responsible for IgE regulation.