The important role of the TEK gene and the Tie2 pathway in asthma is further strengthened by the observation that the expressions of 8 out of 10 selected genes on the Tie2 related pathway differed significantly from those of controls in a mouse model of asthma during certain time points in the process leading to Th2-type allergic airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness (Figure 2). The gene discussed is TEK; the disease is asthma.