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Researchers Have Identified the Genetic Causes of Rheumatoid Arthritis
These findings are a result of a long-time partnership between the Intramural Research Program (IRP) of the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) and other organizations.
"Although both diseases are believed to have a strong genetic component, identifying the relevant genes has been extremely difficult," says study coauthor Elaine Remmers, Ph.D., of the Genetics and Genomics Branch of the Intramural Research Program at the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases.
Dr. Remmers and her colleagues tested variants within 13 candidate genes located in a region of chromosome 2, which they had previously linked with RA, for association with disease in large collections of RA and lupus patients and controls.
Among the variants were several disease-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) small differences in DNA sequence that represent the most common genetic variations between individuals in a large segment of the STAT4 gene. The STAT4 gene encodes a protein that plays an important role in the regulation and activation of certain cells of the immune system.
"It may be too early to predict the impact of identifying the STAT4 gene as a susceptibility locus for rheumatoid arthritis whether the presence of the variant and others will serve as a predictor of disease, disease outcome or response to therapy," says coauthor and NARAC principal investigator Peter K. Gregersen, M.D., of The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, part of the North Shore Long Island Jewish Health System, in Manhasset, N.Y.
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More News on: Osteoarthritis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Oligoarthritis, Physiotherapy Utilities, Genetics and Stem Cells, Spondylolisthesis, Chemotherapy, Chemotherapy Drugs, Knee Replacement, Reiters syndrome
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 | Quiz on Arthritis Arthritis, the inflammation of joints, can affect anyone irrespective of their age, gender, or genes. However, a healthy lifestyle can prevent the development of arthritis. 
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