Juvenile Arthritis Switched On by Master Gene

Researchers from The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have found a specific gene region that is present in some types of adult rheumatoid arthritis and all types of juvenile arthritis. The genetic variant is found on chromosome 9 in a region that houses two genes known as, TRAF1 and C5. According to researchers, the TRAF1 gene codes for a protein that regulates tumor necrosis factor (TNF). TNF has previously been associated with juvenile arthritis.

The study, published in the July 2008 issue of Arthritis & Rheumatism, compared 67 Caucasian patients being treated for juvenile arthritis to 1,952 healthy Caucasian subjects serving as controls. There are only a few genes that can act as master switches to turn on diseases like arthritis. When the master switch interacts with other genes and environmental triggers, a child may develop juvenile arthritis. Researchers concluded that more studies are needed to determine if TRAF1 or C5 are altered in juvenile arthritis.

Related Resources:

• Juvenile Arthritis Screening Quiz
• Guide to Juvenile Arthritis
• Arthritis Is A Children's Disease Too
• How to Prepare Yourself and Your Young Child for a Doctor Visit

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