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El-Halwagi A, Agarwal SK. Insights into the genetic landscape of systemic sclerosis. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2024:101981. [PMID: 39068103 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2024.101981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex autoimmune disease that clinically manifests as progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Autoimmunity and endothelial dysfunction play important roles in the development of SSc but the causes of SSc remain unknown. Accumulating evidence, first from familial aggregation studies and subsequently from candidate gene association studies and genome wide association studies underscore the crucial contributions of genetics to the development of SSc. The identification of polymorphisms in the HLA region as well as non-HLA loci is important for understanding the risks of developing SSc but can also provide important pathogenic insight in SSc. While not translating into clinic practice yet, understanding the genetic landscape of SSc will hopefully assist in the diagnosis and management of patients with and/or at risk of developing SSc in the future. Herein we review the studies that investigate genetic risks of SSc susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali El-Halwagi
- Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sandeep K Agarwal
- Section of Immunology, Allergy and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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2
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Gumkowska-Sroka O, Kotyla K, Kotyla P. Immunogenetics of Systemic Sclerosis. Genes (Basel) 2024; 15:586. [PMID: 38790215 PMCID: PMC11121022 DOI: 10.3390/genes15050586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune connective tissue disorder characterized by massive fibrosis, vascular damage, and immune imbalance. Advances in rheumatology and immunology over the past two decades have led to a redefinition of systemic sclerosis, shifting from its initial perception as primarily a "hyperfibrotic" state towards a recognition of systemic sclerosis as an immune-mediated disease. Consequently, the search for genetic markers has transitioned from focusing on fibrotic mechanisms to exploring immune regulatory pathways. Immunogenetics, an emerging field at the intersection of immunology, molecular biology, and genetics has provided valuable insights into inherited factors that influence immunity. Data from genetic studies conducted thus far indicate that alterations in genetic messages can significantly impact disease risk and progression. While certain genetic variations may confer protective effects, others may exacerbate disease susceptibility. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the most relevant genetic changes that influence both the risk and course of systemic sclerosis. Special emphasis is placed on factors regulating the immune response, recognizing their pivotal role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Przemysław Kotyla
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Silesia, Voivodeship Hospital No. 5, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland; (O.G.-S.); (K.K.)
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3
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The Immunogenetics of Systemic Sclerosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1367:259-298. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-92616-8_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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4
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Ota Y, Kuwana M. Updates on genetics in systemic sclerosis. Inflamm Regen 2021; 41:17. [PMID: 34130729 PMCID: PMC8204536 DOI: 10.1186/s41232-021-00167-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex disease, in which an interaction of genetic and environmental factors plays an important role in its development and pathogenesis. A number of genetic studies, including candidate gene analysis and genome-wide association study, have found that the associated genetic variants are mainly localized in noncoding regions in the expression quantitative trait locus and influence corresponding gene expression. The gene variants identified as a risk for SSc susceptibility include those associated with innate immunity, adaptive immune response, and cell death, while there are only few SSc-associated genes involved in the fibrotic process or vascular homeostasis. Human leukocyte antigen class II genes are associated with SSc-related autoantibodies rather than SSc itself. Since the pathways between the associated genotype and phenotype are still poorly understood, further investigations using multi-omics technologies are necessary to characterize the complex molecular architecture of SSc, identify biomarkers useful to predict future outcomes and treatment responses, and discover effective drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Ota
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603-8582, Japan
| | - Masataka Kuwana
- Department of Allergy and Rheumatology, Nippon Medical School Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8603-8582, Japan.
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5
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Mehta BK, Espinoza ME, Hinchcliff M, Whitfield ML. Molecular "omic" signatures in systemic sclerosis. Eur J Rheumatol 2020; 7:S173-S180. [PMID: 33164732 DOI: 10.5152/eurjrheum.2020.19192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by immunologic, vascular, and extracellular matrix abnormalities. Variation in the proportion and/or timing of activation in the deregulated molecular pathways that underlie SSc may explain the observed clinical heterogeneity in terms of disease phenotype and treatment response. In recent years, SSc research has generated massive amounts of "omics" level data. In this review, we discuss the body of "omics" level work in SSc and how each layer provides unique insight to our understanding of SSc. We posit that effective integration of genomic, transcriptomic, metagenomic, and epigenomic data is an important step toward precision medicine and is vital to the identification of effective therapeutic options for patients with SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaven K Mehta
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Monica E Espinoza
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Monique Hinchcliff
- Department of Rheumatology, Allergy & Immunology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Michael L Whitfield
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH, USA.,Department of Biomedical Data Science, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
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6
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Pu W, Wu W, Liu Q, Ma Y, Tu W, Zuo X, Guo G, Jiang S, Zhao Y, Zuo X, Wang Q, Yang L, Xiao R, Chu H, Wang L, Sun L, Cui J, Yu L, Li H, Li Y, Shi Y, Zhang J, Zhang H, Liang M, Chen D, Ding Y, Chen X, Chen Y, Zhang R, Zhao H, Li Y, Qi Q, Bai P, Zhao L, Reveille JD, Mayes MD, Jin L, Lee EB, Zhang X, Xu J, Zhang Z, Zhou X, Zou H, Wang J. Exome-Wide Association Analysis Suggests LRP2BP as a Susceptibility Gene for Endothelial Injury in Systemic Sclerosis in the Han Chinese Population. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 141:1254-1263.e6. [PMID: 33069728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Genetic factors play a key role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, whereas the disease-causing variants remain largely unknown. Herein, we performed an exome-wide association study of systemic sclerosis in a Han Chinese population. In the discovery stage, 527 patients with systemic sclerosis and 5,024 controls were recruited and genotyped. In the validation study, an independent sample set of 479 patients and 1,096 controls were examined. In total, we found that four independent signals reached genome-wide significance. Among them, rs7574865 (Pcombined = 3.87 × 10-12) located within signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 gene was identified previously using samples of European ancestry. Additionally, another signal including three SNPs in linkage disequilibrium might be unreported susceptibility loci located in the epidermis differentiation complex region. Furthermore, two SNPs located within exon 3 of IGHM (rs45471499, Pcombined = 1.15 × 10-9) and upstream of LRP2BP (rs4317244, Pcombined = 4.17 × 10-8) were found. Moreover, rs4317244 was identified as an expression quantitative trait locus for LRP2BP that regulates tight junctions, cell cycle, and apoptosis in endothelial cell lines. Collectively, our results revealed three signals associated with systemic sclerosis in Han Chinese and suggested the importance of LRP2BP in systemic sclerosis pathogenesis. Given the limited sample size and discrepancies between previous results and our study, further studies in multiethnic populations are required for verification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilin Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyu Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingmei Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanyun Ma
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Six-sector Industrial Research Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Contemporary Anthropology, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzhen Tu
- Division of Rheumatology, Shanghai TCM-integrated Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianbo Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Gang Guo
- Department of Rheumatology, Yiling Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shuai Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yinhuan Zhao
- Division of Rheumatology, Shanghai TCM-integrated Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoxia Zuo
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qingwen Wang
- Rheumatology and Immunology Department, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Rong Xiao
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Haiyan Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Division of Rheumatology, Shanghai TCM-integrated Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Liangdan Sun
- Key Laboratory of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Jimin Cui
- Department of Rheumatology, Yiling Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ling Yu
- Division of Rheumatology, Shanghai TCM-integrated Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiyun Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Yiling Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yisha Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yaqian Shi
- Department of Dermatology, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaqian Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, Shanghai TCM-integrated Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Haishun Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, Yiling Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Minrui Liang
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongdong Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, Shanghai TCM-integrated Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangxiang Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Division of Rheumatology, Shanghai TCM-integrated Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Han Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Qi
- Department of Dermatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Dermatology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - John D Reveille
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunogenetics, the University of Texas-McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Maureen D Mayes
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunogenetics, the University of Texas-McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Li Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Research Unit of dissecting the population genetics and developing new technologies for treatment and prevention of skin phenotypes and dermatological diseases (2019RU058), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Eun Bong Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Xuejun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China
| | - Jinhua Xu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodong Zhou
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunogenetics, the University of Texas-McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Hejian Zou
- Department of Rheumatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiucun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center for Genetics and Development, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Research Unit of dissecting the population genetics and developing new technologies for treatment and prevention of skin phenotypes and dermatological diseases (2019RU058), Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Institute of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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7
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Ishikawa Y, Terao C. Genetics of systemic sclerosis. JOURNAL OF SCLERODERMA AND RELATED DISORDERS 2020; 5:192-201. [PMID: 35382527 PMCID: PMC8922623 DOI: 10.1177/2397198320913695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by generalized fibrosis in connective tissues and internal organs as consequences of microvascular dysfunction and immune dysfunctions, which leads to premature death in affected individuals. The etiology of systemic sclerosis is complex and poorly understood, but as with most autoimmune diseases, it is widely accepted that both environmental and genetic factors contribute to disease risk. During the last decade, the number of genetic markers convincingly associated with systemic sclerosis has exponentially increased. In this article, we briefly mention the genetic components of systemic sclerosis. Then, we review the classical and novel genetic associations with systemic sclerosis, analyzing the firmest and replicated signals within non-human leukocyte antigen genes, identified by both candidate gene approach and genome-wide association studies. We also provide an insight into the future perspectives that will shed more light into the complex genetic background of the disease. Despite the remarkable advance of systemic sclerosis genetics during the last decade, the use of the new genetic technologies such as next-generation sequencing, as well as the deep phenotyping of the study cohorts, to fully characterize the genetic component of this disease is imperative to identify causal variants, which leads to more targeted and effective treatment of systemic sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuki Ishikawa
- Joslin Diabetes Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Laboratory for Statistical and Translational Genetics, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Chikashi Terao
- Laboratory for Statistical and Translational Genetics, Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, RIKEN, Yokohama, Japan
- Clinical Research Center, Shizuoka General Hospital, Shizuoka, Japan
- Department of Applied Genetics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
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8
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Vanaki N, Kavosi H, Aslani S, Mostafaei S, Riahi P, Gharibdoost F, Mahmoudi M. Association between CD247 gene rs2056626 polymorphism and the risk of systemic sclerosis: Evidence from a systematic review and Bayesian hierarchical meta-analysis. Meta Gene 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2019.100613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
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9
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Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a severe autoimmune disease that is characterized by vascular abnormalities, immunological alterations and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The results of genetic studies in patients with SSc have revealed statistically significant genetic associations with disease manifestations and progression. Nevertheless, genetic susceptibility to SSc is moderate, and the functional consequences of genetic associations remain only partially characterized. A current hypothesis is that, in genetically susceptible individuals, epigenetic modifications constitute the driving force for disease initiation. As epigenetic alterations can occur years before fibrosis appears, these changes could represent a potential link between inflammation and tissue fibrosis. Epigenetics is a fast-growing discipline, and a considerable number of important epigenetic studies in SSc have been published in the past few years that span histone post-translational modifications, DNA methylation, microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs. This Review describes the latest insights into genetic and epigenetic contributions to the pathogenesis of SSc and aims to provide an improved understanding of the molecular pathways that link inflammation and fibrosis. This knowledge will be of paramount importance for the development of medicines that are effective in treating or even reversing tissue fibrosis.
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Rezaei R, Aslani S, Dashti N, Jamshidi A, Gharibdoost F, Mahmoudi M. Genetic implications in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. Int J Rheum Dis 2018; 21:1478-1486. [DOI: 10.1111/1756-185x.13344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ramazan Rezaei
- Rheumatology Research Center Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Department of Immunology School of Medicine Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Saeed Aslani
- Rheumatology Research Center Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Navid Dashti
- Rheumatology Research Center Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
- Department of Immunology School of Medicine Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Ahmadreza Jamshidi
- Rheumatology Research Center Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Farhad Gharibdoost
- Rheumatology Research Center Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahmoudi
- Rheumatology Research Center Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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Genetic predictors of systemic sclerosis-associated interstitial lung disease: a review of recent literature. Eur J Hum Genet 2018; 26:765-777. [PMID: 29476163 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-018-0104-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 11/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The interplay between genetic and environmental factors is likely involved in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis (SSc). Interstitial lung disease associated in the context of SSc (SSc-ILD) is associated with significant morbidity, and is the leading cause of death in SSc. The spectrum of SSc-ILD severity is wide, ranging from patients with only limited and inherently stable pulmonary involvement, to those with extensive and progressive pulmonary fibrosis. In order to provide accurate prognostic information for patients, and to initiate appropriate monitoring and treatment regimens, the ability to identify patients at risk of developing severe ILD early in the disease course is crucial. Identification of genetic variants involved in disease pathogenesis can not only potentially provide diagnostic/prognostic markers, but can also highlight dysregulated molecular pathways for therapeutic targeting. A number of genetic associations have been established for susceptibility to SSc, but far fewer studies have investigated genetic susceptibility to SSc-ILD specifically. In this review we present a summary of the studies assessing genetic associations with SSc-ILD.
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Tsou PS, Sawalha AH. Unfolding the pathogenesis of scleroderma through genomics and epigenomics. J Autoimmun 2017; 83:73-94. [PMID: 28526340 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2017.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
With unknown etiology, scleroderma (SSc) is a multifaceted disease characterized by immune activation, vascular complications, and excessive fibrosis in internal organs. Genetic studies, including candidate gene association studies, genome-wide association studies, and whole-exome sequencing have supported the notion that while genetic susceptibility to SSc appears to be modest, SSc patients are genetically predisposed to this disease. The strongest genetic association for SSc lies within the MHC region, with loci in HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DPB1, and HLA-DOA1 being the most replicated. The non-HLA genes associated with SSc are involved in various functions, with the most robust associations including genes for B and T cell activation and innate immunity. Other pathways include genes involved in extracellular matrix deposition, cytokines, and autophagy. Among these genes, IRF5, STAT4, and CD247 were replicated most frequently while SNPs rs35677470 in DNASE1L3, rs5029939 in TNFAIP3, and rs7574685 in STAT4 have the strongest associations with SSc. In addition to genetic predisposition, it became clear that environmental factors and epigenetic influences also contribute to the development of SSc. Epigenetics, which refers to studies that focus on heritable phenotypes resulting from changes in chromatin structure without affecting the DNA sequence, is one of the most rapidly expanding fields in biomedical research. Indeed extensive epigenetic changes have been described in SSc. Alteration in enzymes and mediators involved in DNA methylation and histone modification, as well as dysregulated non-coding RNA levels all contribute to fibrosis, immune dysregulation, and impaired angiogenesis in this disease. Genes that are affected by epigenetic dysregulation include ones involved in autoimmunity, T cell function and regulation, TGFβ pathway, Wnt pathway, extracellular matrix, and transcription factors governing fibrosis and angiogenesis. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the current findings of SSc genetic susceptibility, followed by an extensive description and a systematic review of epigenetic research that has been carried out to date in SSc. We also summarize the therapeutic potential of drugs that affect epigenetic mechanisms, and outline the future prospective of genomics and epigenomics research in SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Suen Tsou
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Amr H Sawalha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Center for Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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The status of pulmonary fibrosis in systemic sclerosis is associated with IRF5, STAT4, IRAK1, and CTGF polymorphisms. Rheumatol Int 2017; 37:1303-1310. [PMID: 28434122 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-017-3722-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is one of the leading causes of death in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. Although all SSc patients are characterized by autoimmunity, only part of them suffer from PF, suggesting that beside autoimmunity, some additional factors are involved in the initiation of PF in SSc. In this study, we aimed to identify genetic polymorphisms associated with the status of PF in SSc. We performed that an exhaustive search of the PubMed database was performed to identify eligible studies. Then, a comprehensive meta-analysis was performed by comparing PF+-SSc and PF--SSc patients to identify genetic polymorphisms associated with the status of PF in SSc. Among eight SSc-associated susceptibility polymorphisms which were applied for meta-analysis, IRF5 rs2004640 polymorphism (OR 1.12; 95% CI 1.02-1.22, P = 1.39 × 10-2), STAT4 rs7574865 polymorphism (OR 1.25; 95% CI 1.07-1.47, P = 5.3 × 10-3), IRAK1 rs1059702 polymorphism (OR 1.20; 95% CI 1.05-1.37, P = 0.007), and CTGF G-945C polymorphism (OR 1.42; 95% CI 1.18-1.71, P = 0.002) are associated with PF status in SSc, while TNFAIP3 rs5029939, CD226 rs763361, CD247 rs2056626, and IRF5 rs10488631 polymorphisms are not. Since IRF5, STAT4, and IRAK1 are important regulatory factors in the control of innate immune responses and CTGF is involved in the synthesis of extracellular matrix, these results suggest a role of the innate immunity and matrix compounds in the pathogenesis of PF in SSc.
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14
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Multiple genes, especially immune-regulating genes, contribute to disease susceptibility in systemic sclerosis. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2016; 28:595-605. [DOI: 10.1097/bor.0000000000000334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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15
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Chairta P, Nicolaou P, Christodoulou K. Genomic and genetic studies of systemic sclerosis: A systematic review. Hum Immunol 2016; 78:153-165. [PMID: 27984087 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2016.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Revised: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis is an autoimmune rheumatic disease characterised by fibrosis, vasculopathy and inflammation. The exact aetiology of SSc remains unknown but evidences show that various genetic factors may be involved. This review aimed to assess HLA alleles/non-HLA polymorphisms, microsatellites and chromosomal abnormalities that have thus far been associated with SSc. PubMed, Embase and Scopus databases were searched up to July 29, 2015 using a combination of search-terms. Articles retrieved were evaluated based on set exclusion and inclusion criteria. A total of 150 publications passed the filters. HLA and non-HLA studies showed that particular alleles in the HLA-DRB1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DQA1, HLA-DPB1 genes and variants in STAT4, IRF5 and CD247 are frequently associated with SSc. Non-HLA genes analysis was performed using the PANTHER and STRING10 databases. PANTHER classification revealed that inflammation mediated by chemokine and cytokine, interleukin and integrin signalling pathways are among the common extracted pathways associated with SSc. STRING10 analysis showed that NFKB1, CSF3R, STAT4, IFNG, PRL and ILs are the main "hubs" of interaction network of the non-HLA genes associated with SSc. This study gathers data of valid genetic factors associated with SSc and discusses the possible interactions of implicated molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Chairta
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2370, Cyprus; Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2370, Cyprus
| | - Paschalis Nicolaou
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2370, Cyprus; Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2370, Cyprus
| | - Kyproula Christodoulou
- Neurogenetics Department, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2370, Cyprus; Cyprus School of Molecular Medicine, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2370, Cyprus.
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Rao S, Lam MHB, Yeung VSY, Wing YK, Waye MMY. Association of HOMER1 rs2290639 with suicide attempts in Hong Kong Chinese and the potentially functional role of this polymorphism. SPRINGERPLUS 2016; 5:767. [PMID: 27386253 PMCID: PMC4912501 DOI: 10.1186/s40064-016-2404-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Animal evidence and genetic studies suggest that HOMER1 (homer homolog 1) is involved in the etiology of suicidal behavior and major depression disorder (MDD). However, most of genetic studies were performed in Caucasians and the potentially functional role of associated polymorphisms in HOMER1 was seldom reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of a HOMER1 polymorphism rs2290639 with suicide attempts (SA) and MDD in Hong Kong Chinese, and then briefly elucidate the potentially functional role of the associated polymorphism. METHODS NEO personality inventory, impulsiveness and depression rating scales were completed by the subjects. The association studies of HOMER1 rs2290639 with SA or MDD were performed by case-control association studies. The bioinformatics analyses were adapted to predict potential transcription factors binding sites for the associated polymorphism. RESULTS The association studies and meta-analysis suggested that the HOMER1 rs2290639 was significantly associated with susceptibility to SA but seemed not to be associated with MDD in Hong Kong Chinese. This polymorphism might affect the transcription of the HOMER1 gene through interacting with a reliable transcription factor as found by three of four bioinformatics tools. In addition, close correlations between impulsiveness and NEO personality five factors were found in SA and MDD patients, which provide a possible way to assess the impulsiveness of patients through subjects' personality profiles for Hong Kong Chinese. CONCLUSIONS The HOMER1 rs2290639 polymorphism was significantly associated with susceptibility to SA in Hong Kong Chinese affected by psychiatric disorders, which might be explained by the potentially functional role of this polymorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shitao Rao
- />Croucher Laboratory for Human Genomics, Rm324A, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, School of Biomedical Sciences, Area 39; The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. Hong Kong
| | - Marco H. B. Lam
- />Department of Psychiatry, Shatin Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 33 Ah Kong Kok Street, Shatin, N.T. Hong Kong
| | - Venus S. Y. Yeung
- />Croucher Laboratory for Human Genomics, Rm324A, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, School of Biomedical Sciences, Area 39; The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. Hong Kong
| | - Yun Kwok Wing
- />Department of Psychiatry, Shatin Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 33 Ah Kong Kok Street, Shatin, N.T. Hong Kong
| | - Mary Miu Yee Waye
- />Croucher Laboratory for Human Genomics, Rm324A, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, School of Biomedical Sciences, Area 39; The Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, N.T. Hong Kong
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Murdaca G, Contatore M, Gulli R, Mandich P, Puppo F. Genetic factors and systemic sclerosis. Autoimmun Rev 2016; 15:427-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2016.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Pattanaik D, Brown M, Postlethwaite BC, Postlethwaite AE. Pathogenesis of Systemic Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2015; 6:272. [PMID: 26106387 PMCID: PMC4459100 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 256] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/16/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic scleroderma (SSc) is one of the most complex systemic autoimmune diseases. It targets the vasculature, connective tissue-producing cells (namely fibroblasts/myofibroblasts), and components of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Clinical and pathologic manifestations of SSc are the result of: (1) innate/adaptive immune system abnormalities leading to production of autoantibodies and cell-mediated autoimmunity, (2) microvascular endothelial cell/small vessel fibroproliferative vasculopathy, and (3) fibroblast dysfunction generating excessive accumulation of collagen and other matrix components in skin and internal organs. All three of these processes interact and affect each other. The disease is heterogeneous in its clinical presentation that likely reflects different genetic or triggering factor (i.e., infection or environmental toxin) influences on the immune system, vasculature, and connective tissue cells. The roles played by other ubiquitous molecular entities (such as lysophospholipids, endocannabinoids, and their diverse receptors and vitamin D) in influencing the immune system, vasculature, and connective tissue cells are just beginning to be realized and studied and may provide insights into new therapeutic approaches to treat SSc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debendra Pattanaik
- Department of Medicine, Division of Connective Tissue Diseases, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis, TN , USA ; Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Memphis, TN , USA
| | - Monica Brown
- Section of Pediatric Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis, TN , USA
| | - Bradley C Postlethwaite
- Department of Medicine, Division of Connective Tissue Diseases, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis, TN , USA
| | - Arnold E Postlethwaite
- Department of Medicine, Division of Connective Tissue Diseases, The University of Tennessee Health Science Center , Memphis, TN , USA ; Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center , Memphis, TN , USA
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Genetics of systemic sclerosis. Semin Immunopathol 2015; 37:443-51. [DOI: 10.1007/s00281-015-0499-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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