New study highlights role of common gene variations in ankylosing spondylitis

New research has revealed an insight into the genetic underpinnings ofankylosing spondylitis that could aid the future treatment of the disease. Led by the University of Oxford and published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the study has indicated that the specific genetic variants associated with the onset of the condition may be more common than previously thought. The true genetic origin of ankylosing spondylitis For this study, data on 213 ankylosing spondylitis patients and 46 people with rheumatoidarthritis was analysed in order to examine the common scientific assumption that ankylosing spondylitis is mostly associated with unusual ERAP1 genotypes. It is known that two genes involved in antigen processing and presentation to the immune system - HLA-B*27 and ERAP1 - have a big role to play in driving the disease, with previous studies indicating that rare ERAP1 variants that dramatically alter antigen processing functions are responsible. However, this new research found that it was in fact common variants of ERAP1 that were responsible for regulating people's ankylosing spondylitis, rather than rare variations or unusual genetic combinations. What this could mean Ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic condition that can lead toback pain, stiffness,fatigue and impaired mobility that develops over time. The causes of the disease are not currently well understood, so further research into its genetic origins could make it easier for scientists to c...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news