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Review of recent genome‐wide association scans in lupus
Author(s) -
Graham R. R.,
Hom G.,
Ortmann W.,
Behrens T. W.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of internal medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.625
H-Index - 160
eISSN - 1365-2796
pISSN - 0954-6820
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2009.02096.x
Subject(s) - genome wide association study , genetic association , candidate gene , medicine , locus (genetics) , computational biology , allele , meta analysis , genetics , bioinformatics , biology , gene , single nucleotide polymorphism , genotype
. We review the systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) human genetics literature, including the first wave of genome‐wide associations scans (GWAS), to identify confirmed and candidate risk variants that meet stringent statistical criteria. The understanding of the genetic basis of SLE in humans has expanded dramatically over the past year, offering an early glimpse into the primary genetic factors and major dysregulated pathways. A meta‐analysis of published candidate variants was performed incorporating data from a 1310 case and 7859 control GWAS. Our review of the literature and meta‐analysis identifies a total of 17 well‐validated common SLE risk variants, including four candidate variants that achieve our definition of a confirmed SLE risk locus. These variants account for a fraction of the total genetic contribution to SLE risk, with many risk loci remaining to be identified, but may provide insight into the pathways involved in SLE. Initial pathway analyses of the 17 confirmed SLE risk alleles indicate an important role for B‐cell signalling and development, signaling through toll‐like receptors 7 and 9, and neutrophil function.