Molecular dissection of psoriasis: integrating genetics and biology

J Invest Dermatol. 2010 May;130(5):1213-26. doi: 10.1038/jid.2009.319. Epub 2009 Oct 8.

Abstract

Psoriasis is a common and debilitating disease of the skin, nails, and joints, with an acknowledged but complex genetic basis. Early genome-wide linkage studies of psoriasis focused on segregation of microsatellite markers in families; however, the only locus consistently identified resided in the major histocompatibility complex. Subsequently, several groups mapped this locus to the vicinity of HLA-C, and two groups have reported HLA-Cw6 itself to be the major susceptibility allele. More recently, the development of millions of single-nucleotide polymorphisms, coupled with the development of high-throughput genotyping platforms and a comprehensive map of human haplotypes, has made possible a genome-wide association approach using cases and controls rather than families. Taking advantage of these developments, we participated in a collaborative genome-wide association study of psoriasis involving thousands of cases and controls. Initial analysis of these data revealed and/or confirmed association between psoriasis and seven genetic loci-HLA-C, IL12B, IL23R, IL23A, IL4/IL13, TNFAIP3, and TNIP1-and ongoing studies are revealing additional loci. Here, we review the epidemiology, immunopathology, and genetics of psoriasis, and present a disease model integrating its genetics and immunology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Genetic Markers*
  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genome-Wide Association Study*
  • Humans
  • Psoriasis* / epidemiology
  • Psoriasis* / genetics
  • Psoriasis* / immunology

Substances

  • Genetic Markers