Identification of novel targets in scleroderma: update on population studies, cDNA arrays, SNP analysis, and mutations.
OBJECTIVE
Systemic sclerosis, or scleroderma, is an uncommon autoimmune connective tissue disease that results in systemic fibrosis. Its etiologic basis remains unclear. The pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis involves a proliferative and obliterative vasculopathy resulting from endothelial cell dysfunction, extensive fibrosis secondary to fibroblast activation, and autoimmunity as demonstrated by the presence of disease-specific autoantibodies. Although there is no clear and convincing evidence for an environmental trigger in most cases, accumulating data emphasize the role of genetic factors in systemic sclerosis. As in other complex human diseases, multiple genes likely contribute to disease susceptibility and the clinical manifestations of systemic sclerosis. This review will cover the application of genomics to the complex genetics of systemic sclerosis.


RESULTS
The following review is an update on novel targets identified in scleroderma based on published reports (May 2000-May 2003) of mutation/polymorphism analysis (using SNP and haplotyping), the results from a recent genome-wide scan on a Native American population with systemic sclerosis, and gene expression studies (microarrays).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of genomics has revealed novel targets and genetic associations that may contribute to the cause, the onset, and the subsequent pathologic changes that constitute systemic sclerosis. The identification of potential candidates for gene therapy or disease-specific targets amenable to pharmacologic intervention will benefit patients with systemic sclerosis who are currently being treated for their symptoms and not the disease process itself.
Ahmed
S Sohail
SS
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical School-Houston, Texas 77030, USA. sohail.ahmed@uth.tmc.edu
Tan
Filemon K
FK
D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000235:genetics; D004252:DNA Mutational Analysis; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods*; D005828:Genetics, Population; D016678:Genome; D005838:Genotype; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020411:Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis / Q000379:methods*; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics*; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D001323:Autoantibodies