IL2RA Gene Mutations Associated With Juvenile Arthritis
Posted 6/17/08
Certain single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the interleukin 2 receptor alpha (IL2RA) gene region are shown to be associated with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), according to a new study presented at the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism.
In the study, three specific SNPs (small variations in the genetic code), were investigated because previous studies reported an association of these with rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes.
Dr. Wendy Thomson of the University of Manchester, UK who led the study, said, "The IL2RA gene has previously been shown to be associated with type 1 diabetes, Graves' disease, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, and so may be linked with a predisposition to autoimmunity in general. Our results have shown that the genetic variants of the IL2RA gene are strongly associated with JIA in two independent cohorts. Further investigation of this gene will aid our understanding of the pathogenesis of these diseases, and hopefully lead to future treatment approaches."
This article adapted from a press release issued by European League Against Rheumatism.
