Localization of a gene for familial recurrent arthritis

Objective. To localize the gene for familial recurrent arthritis via a geno me-wide linkage scan in an extended kindred with the disease. Methods. A 3-generation family in which 9 members were diagnosed with juven ile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was ascertained. In this family the disease was of very early onset and included episodic inflammation leading to event ual destruction of joints, muscle, and skin. We treated this disorder as a distinct clinical entity that we have named "familial recurrent arthritis." A genome-wide linkage scan with polymorphic microsatellites at 10-15-cM re solution was initiated. Results. The genome-wide scan generated a maximum 2-point logarithm of odds score with D15S211 (Z(max) = 3.27 at theta(max) = 0.0010). Haplotype recon struction defined a candidate region of similar to 20 cM flanked proximally by D15S983 and distally by D15S127 on human chromosome 15. Conclusion. A gene for familial recurrent arthritis was localized to 15q22- 24, as a result of a genome-wide linkage scan in a large, multiply affected kindred. Identification of the altered gene will provide insights into the pathogenesis of autoimmune joint destruction that is reminiscent of JIA.