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Is Ankylosing Spondylitis Genetic?
- Heritability
- ~90%
- Inheritance
- polygenic
- Key genes
- HLA-B27 ERAP1 IL23R
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A chronic inflammatory arthritis of the spine and sacroiliac joints. HLA-B27 is present in ~90% of cases but alone is insufficient to cause disease.
How Genetic Is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing Spondylitis involves complex interactions between multiple genes and environmental factors. Heritability estimates range up to 90%, though no single gene determines outcome on its own.
Key genes associated with Ankylosing Spondylitis: HLA-B27 ERAP1 IL23R. Variants in these genes have been identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and clinical research as influencing susceptibility or severity.
Source: MedlinePlus Genetics
Does Family History Matter for Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Family history can be informative for Ankylosing Spondylitis, but its predictive power is limited because many genes — each with small effects — combine with environmental influences. A family history of the condition may prompt earlier or more frequent screening.
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