Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
18:08
Interview: Glycolipid Antigen Presentation by CD1d and the Therapeutic Potential of NKT cell Activation
Published on: January 1, 2008
Genomic progress in pediatric arthritis: recent work and future goals
James D Phelan1, Susan D Thompson
1William S. Rowe Division of Rheumatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, 3333 Burnet Avenue, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA.
Current Opinion in Rheumatology
|August 10, 2006
Summary
Genetic research is advancing our understanding of pediatric arthritis, a complex condition influenced by multiple genes. Future genomic studies may lead to new classification systems and personalized treatments for childhood arthritis.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Immunology
- Pediatric Rheumatology
Background:
- Pediatric arthritis encompasses diverse chronic arthropathies.
- Genetic and environmental factors significantly influence disease development.
- Identifying genetic factors is crucial for predicting disease risk, course, and severity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in identifying genes associated with pediatric arthritis.
- To understand the interplay between these genes and disease pathology.
- To explore the potential for molecular biomarkers in future classification systems.
Main Methods:
- Review of candidate gene studies in juvenile arthritis.
- Analysis of studies focusing on genes with immunological roles.
- Examination of genome-wide screening for juvenile rheumatoid/idiopathic arthritis.
Main Results:
- Candidate gene studies are the predominant research approach.
- Limited genome-wide association studies have been published.
- Research highlights genes with potential roles in autoimmunity.
Conclusions:
- Genomic research holds promise for developing molecular biomarkers.
- These biomarkers could complement clinical observations in classifying childhood arthritis.
- Understanding gene interactions is key to elucidating disease pathogenesis.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Genome-wide Association Studies-GWAS
Genome-wide association studies or GWAS are used to identify whether common SNPs are associated with certain diseases. Suppose specific SNPs are more frequently observed in individuals with a particular disease than those without the disease. In that case, those SNPs are said to be associated with the disease. Chi-square analysis is performed to check the probability of the allele likely to be associated with the disease.
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
GWAS does not require the identification of the target gene involved in...
01:20The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as SH2...
01:29Pharmacogenomics: Identification of New Drug Targets
Advances in genomics have profoundly influenced drug discovery by increasing both the speed and accuracy of pharmaceutical development. Pharmacogenomics, which examines how genetic variation influences drug response, facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and enables patient stratification for personalized treatment. These strategies contribute to improved drug efficacy, minimized adverse effects, and more efficient clinical trial design.Mapping genetic differences...
01:29Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.