Genetic analyses of interferon pathway-related genes reveal multiple new loci associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The overexpression of interferon (IFN)-inducible genes is a prominent feature of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE); it serves as a marker for active and more severe disease, and is also observed in other autoimmune and inflammatory conditions. This study was undertaken to investigate the genetic variations responsible for sustained activation of IFN-responsive genes in SLE.

Methods

We systematically evaluated association of SLE with a total of 1,754 IFN pathway-related genes, including IFN-inducible genes known to be differentially expressed in SLE patients and their direct regulators. We used a 3-stage study design in which 2 cohorts (total of 939 SLE cases and 3,398 controls) were analyzed independently and jointly for association with SLE, and the results were

SUBMITTER: Ramos PS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3128183 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature