Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and molecular genetic experiments in the past few years have revealed an important phenomenon that escaped the attention of most human geneticists: many genes in our genomes exhibit an inborn, inter-individual variation in copy- numbers. Many of those copy-number variation (CNV) loci include genes engaged in host- environment interactions, including those for immune responses and sensory functions. This discovery provides a new and exciting opportunity to examine the genetic basis of quantitative traits and complex diseases. We hypothesize that gene CNVs and their associated polymorphisms create qualitative and quantitative diversities of their gene products. Such diversities can lead to differences in the intrinsic strengths of the immune system, and result in varying susceptibilities to autoimmune diseases. We have demonstrated a remarkably complex diversity of complement component C4 in human populations. Located in the central region of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on the short arm of the chromosome 6, there can be one to five copies of structural genes for complement C4 in a haplotype. We have determined the genotypic and phenotypic variations of C4A and C4B in European American patients with SLE, large number of family members and unrelated controls. We observed a highly significant increase in the frequency of subjects with low C4 gene copy- number (GCN) (GCN<4: 42.2% in SLE, 28.5% in controls;p=0.000016). By contrast, there is a significant decrease in the frequency of the high C4 GCN group (GCN >4) in SLE. We have also observed CNVs for the FCGR2-HSP70B-FCGR3 (FRH) complex including FCGR3B and FCGR3A at chromosome 1q23. Preliminary results suggest that low GCN of FCGR3B is a risk factor for SLE in European Americans. This application seeks to investigate the roles of gene CNVs as genetic risk factors and disease modifiers for human SLE and patients with antiphospholipid antibodies. It will examine large cohorts of patients with SLE from different ethnic groups, female and male patients and their first-degree relatives, and unrelated race-matched controls.
The specific aims are to: 1. Determine variations of complement genes in human SLE with emphasis on the copy- number variation and associated polymorphisms of complement C4 and RCCX modules;2. Characterize and investigate the segmental duplication of the FRH modules in human SLE;and 3. Determine CNVs of complement C4 (RCCX modules) and low affinity Fc3 receptors (FRH modules) in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies. The knowledge to be gained can be highly relevant for more effective disease diagnosis and management of human SLE.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Research Project (R01)
Project #
5R01AR054459-04
Application #
8123298
Study Section
Arthritis, Connective Tissue and Skin Study Section (ACTS)
Program Officer
Wang, Yan Z
Project Start
2008-09-01
Project End
2013-08-31
Budget Start
2011-09-01
Budget End
2012-08-31
Support Year
4
Fiscal Year
2011
Total Cost
$301,087
Indirect Cost
Name
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
147212963
City
Columbus
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
43205
Lintner, Katherine E; Wu, Yee Ling; Yang, Yan et al. (2016) Early Components of the Complement Classical Activation Pathway in Human Systemic Autoimmune Diseases. Front Immunol 7:36
Chen, Ji Yih; Wu, Yee Ling; Mok, Mo Yin et al. (2016) Effects of Complement C4 Gene Copy Number Variations, Size Dichotomy, and C4A Deficiency on Genetic Risk and Clinical Presentation of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in East Asian Populations. Arthritis Rheumatol 68:1442-1453
Lintner, Katherine E; Patwardhan, Anjali; Rider, Lisa G et al. (2016) Gene copy-number variations (CNVs) of complement C4 and C4A deficiency in genetic risk and pathogenesis of juvenile dermatomyositis. Ann Rheum Dis 75:1599-606
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Kingery, Suzanne E; Wu, Yee Ling; Zhou, Bi et al. (2012) Gene CNVs and protein levels of complement C4A and C4B as novel biomarkers for partial disease remissions in new-onset type 1 diabetes patients. Pediatr Diabetes 13:408-18
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Zhao, Jian; Wu, Hui; Khosravi, Melanie et al. (2011) Association of genetic variants in complement factor H and factor H-related genes with systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility. PLoS Genet 7:e1002079
Fu, Qiong; Zhao, Jian; Qian, Xiaoxia et al. (2011) Association of a functional IRF7 variant with systemic lupus erythematosus. Arthritis Rheum 63:749-54

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