title: Genes in the spondyloarthropathies.
abstract: Ankylosing spondylitis is a highly genetic disease, with up to 98% of the population variance genetically determined. The major genetic effect arises from HLA-B27, but other HLA class I molecules, including HLA-B60, also play a role. HLA class II association may indicate either an independent effect for these genes or the existence of extended MHC haplotype containing other relevant genetic loci. The HLA-linked component of the genetic contribution to AS is substantially less than 50%, and preliminary analysis of affected sibling pairs by whole genome screening has revealed several potential regions of interest. The next 5 years should lead to the confirmation of some of these linkages, their refinement, and the testing of candidate genes within them. Ultimately, a better understanding of the genetic etiology of AS should yield insight into the pathogenic mechanisms and the development of novel strategies for treatment and prevention.
authors.affiliation: Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, United Kingdom. paul.wordsworth@well.ox.ac.uk
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Wordsworth
mesh_terms: D005820:Genetic Testing; D015796:HLA-B27 Antigen / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D015796:HLA-B27 Antigen