Pleiotropic autoimmune diseases: How one gene can cause many conditions
Abstract
Autoimmune diseases often share genetic risk factors, with pleiotropic genes influencing multiple conditions. Research shows that 40% of genetic risk factors for autoimmune diseases overlap, meaning a single gene variant can contribute to diseases such as Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Key genes like HLA, PTPN22, and IL23R impact immune cell function, leading to self-targeting immune responses. Understanding pleiotropy could drive new treatments, including CRISPR gene editing, to target these genes without broad immune suppression. This infographic highlights the role of pleiotropic genes in autoimmunity and the potential for personalized medicine in treatment strategies.
Primary Faculty Mentor Name
Melissa Pespeni
Status
Undergraduate
Student College
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
Program/Major
Health and Society
Primary Research Category
Life Sciences
Pleiotropic autoimmune diseases: How one gene can cause many conditions
Autoimmune diseases often share genetic risk factors, with pleiotropic genes influencing multiple conditions. Research shows that 40% of genetic risk factors for autoimmune diseases overlap, meaning a single gene variant can contribute to diseases such as Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus. Key genes like HLA, PTPN22, and IL23R impact immune cell function, leading to self-targeting immune responses. Understanding pleiotropy could drive new treatments, including CRISPR gene editing, to target these genes without broad immune suppression. This infographic highlights the role of pleiotropic genes in autoimmunity and the potential for personalized medicine in treatment strategies.
