The genetics of psoriasis

There is considerable epidemiologic evidence that genetic component plays a key role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. The disease is multifactorial in origin and shows polygeneic inheritance. In the last decade, there have been significant advances in our understanding of the genetic basis of this common disease. Susceptibility gene characterization and knowledge of the immune basis of psoriasis have better defined the disease pathways involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. A number of genetic loci have been identified by genome wide-linkage scans. In particular, the importance of PSORS 1 linkage characterization is emphasized, as this information will help develop more specific diagnostic and prognostic tools.