Open AccessHigh‐density genotyping of STAT4 reveals multiple haplotypic associations with systemic lupus erythematosus in different racial groups
Author(s) -
Namjou Bahram,
Sestak Andrea L.,
Armstrong Don L.,
Zidovetzki Raphael,
Kelly Jennifer A.,
Jacob Noam,
Ciobanu Voicu,
Kaufman Kenneth M.,
Ojwang Joshua O.,
Ziegler Julie,
Quismorio Francesco P.,
Reiff Andreas,
Myones Barry L.,
Guthridge Joel M.,
Nath Swapan K.,
Bruner Gail R.,
MehrianShai Ruth,
Silverman Earl,
KleinGitelman Marisa,
McCurdy Deborah,
WagnerWeiner Linda,
Nocton James J.,
Putterman Chaim,
Bae SangCheol,
Kim Yun Jung,
Petri Michelle,
Reveille John D.,
Vyse Timothy J.,
Gilkeson Gary S.,
Kamen Diane L.,
AlarcónRiquelme Marta E.,
Gaffney Patrick M.,
Moser Kathy L.,
Merrill Joan T.,
Scofield R. Hal,
James Judith A.,
Langefeld Carl D.,
Harley John B.,
Jacob Chaim O.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.24387
Subject(s) - haplotype , single nucleotide polymorphism , stat4 , immunology , genotyping , genetic association , allele frequency , pathogenesis , medicine , genetics , allele , odds ratio , genotype , biology , gene , stat3 , stat
Objective Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the prototypical systemic autoimmune disorder, with complex etiology and a strong genetic component. Recently, gene products involved in the interferon pathway have been under intense investigation in terms of the pathogenesis of SLE. STAT‐1 and STAT‐4 are transcription factors that play key roles in the interferon and Th1 signaling pathways, making them attractive candidates for involvement in SLE susceptibility. Methods Fifty‐six single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across STAT1 and STAT4 on chromosome 2 were genotyped using the Illumina platform, as part of an extensive association study in a large collection of 9,923 lupus patients and control subjects from different racial groups. DNA samples were obtained from the peripheral blood of patients with SLE and control subjects. Principal components analyses and population‐based case–control association analyses were performed, and the P values, false discovery rate q values, and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results We observed strong genetic associations with SLE and multiple SNPs located within STAT4 in different ethnic groups (Fisher's combined P = 7.02 × 10 −25 ). In addition to strongly confirming the previously reported association in the third intronic region of this gene, we identified additional haplotypic association across STAT4 and, in particular, a common risk haplotype that is found in multiple racial groups. In contrast, only a relatively weak suggestive association was observed with STAT1 , probably due to its proximity to STAT4 . Conclusion Our findings indicate that STAT4 is likely to be a crucial component in SLE pathogenesis in multiple racial groups. Knowledge of the functional effects of this association, when they are revealed, might improve our understanding of the disease and provide new therapeutic targets.