ALR SLEGEN Initiative - 2008

The first-ever International SLE Genetics (SLEGEN) Consortium research project has identified multiple genes linked to women with lupus. These findings set the stage for more studies that will eventually lead to earlier diagnosis and new treatments for this debilitating illness.

The three-year SLEGEN study was formed and supported with $2.25 million in funding from the Alliance for Lupus Research (ALR). Published in the January 20, 2008, issue of Nature Genetics, the results underscore the role of genetic variants in predisposing an individual to developing lupus.

Researchers studied the DNA of more than 6,700 women, including individuals with lupus, their family members and control subjects. After sifting through a massive database and scanning the entire genome for more than 317,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), they discovered robust evidence of an association to lupus in three genes—ITGAM, KIAA1542 and PXK—and at SNP rs10798269, a DNA unit not found within any known gene. SNPs are locations in the chromosomes where a single unit of DNA may vary from one person to another.

Nine other genes showed convincing evidence of linkage to lupus as well. In the end, the researchers presented data that identify 13 strong genetic candidates that may be linked to lupus.

Now that these genes have been identified, other scientists can seize upon these findings to start developing new strategies for prevention and therapy. These results represent a significant step toward reducing the burden of suffering caused by lupus.

To read ALR's press release on this exciting news, click here.

For more information on the SLEGEN Consortium, click here to "Meet SLEGEN" in Volume 2, 2007 Lupus Research Update!