Update on genetic risk factors for systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis

The results of twin and family studies clearly implicate an important role for genetic factors in the etiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) a nd rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the complex nature of these diseases has hampered progress in defining the genetic determinants. Recent advance s in molecular genetic and statistical methodology offer new hope to overco me these challenges. This review highlights recent efforts to identify gene tic risk factors for SLE and RA using allele sharing and other linkage meth ods. In spite of striking differences between these studies, some agreement in terms of the regions providing evidence of linkage also exists. Thus, t ogether these studies highlight regions of the genome that are likely to co ntain SLE and RA susceptibility genes. In addition, the results of these st udies, in conjunction with progress in other complex human diseases, sugges t several important considerations for future studies. Curr Opin Rheumatol 2000, 12:85-90 (C) 2000 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.