Genetics and RP

Predisposition to many autoimmune diseases has been demonstrated to have a genetic component involving the HLA genes. The Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason is well-known for its work in understanding how HLA genes contribute to rheumatoid arthritis, juvenile rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. Therefore it is natural for us to look at the influence of the HLA genes in RP. The HLA genes are a large family of genes that are important in the function of T cells. These genes can be examined to see if a specific gene is found more frequently in individuals who suffer from a disease. While these genes themselves can be found in a person without disease as well, we think of them as predisposing to, but not causing disease. In order to identify genes that may play a role in a disease, a large number of individuals must be studied. Such studies are now underway in our laboratory.