Advances in lupus genetics and epigenetics.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

Genome-wide association studies have identified more than 50 robust loci associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) susceptibility, and follow-up studies help reveal candidate causative genetic variants and their biological relevance contributing to the development of SLE. Epigenetic modulation is emerging as an important mechanism for understanding how the implicated genes interact with environmental factors. We review recent progress toward identifying causative variants of SLE-associated loci and epigenetic impact on lupus, especially genetic-epigenetic interactions that modulate expression levels of SLE susceptibility genes.

Recent findings

A few SLE-risk loci have been refined to localize likely causative variants responsible for the observed g

SUBMITTER: Deng Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4222581 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature