Increased Risk for Arthritis and Lupus Tied to new Gene
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Scientists at UCSF, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and colleagues have identified a critical gene that increases a person’s risk for rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus – both potentially debilitating diseases. The gene may be involved in other autoimmune diseases as well, the researchers say.
Discovery of the genetic link, described in the September 6 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine, was a collaborative effort by scientists from more than half a dozen institutions.
UCSF’s effort was led by Lindsey Criswell, MD, PhD, professor of medicine and rheumatology at UCSF and a leading researcher in the causes and treatment of lupus.
The identification of these two new autoimmunity genes has profound significance for our understanding of these complex diseases and our ability to develop more specific diagnostic tests and therapies, Criswell said.
