Mapping of a novel susceptibility gene for rheumatoid arthritis in the telomeric MHC region.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a complex heterogeneous disease with an estimated genetic contribution to of 30-50%. Approximately one third arises from the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) at 6p21.3. The contribution of specific DRB1 alleles encoding the shared epitope has been well described, however, several recent studies have suggested that additional telomeric genetic influences may exist. This region is difficult to study as a result of the presence of strong linkage disequilibrium (LD) within the MHC and high gene density particularly in the central class III region. In this article we review the current data supporting the existence of a non-DRB1 susceptibility gene for rheumatoid arthritis, in particular within the class III region.
Kilding
Rachael
R
Division of Genomic Medicine, The University of Sheffield, Royal Hallamshire Hospital, Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2JF, United Kingdom.
Wilson
Anthony G
AG
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000235:genetics*; D002896:Chromosomes, Human, Pair 6; D000939:Epitopes; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000235:genetics*; D059811:HLA-DRB1 Chains; D006801:Humans; D015810:Linkage Disequilibrium; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex
D000939:Epitopes; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D059811:HLA-DRB1 Chains