Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease marked by damage to the joints and abnormalities of the immune system. Although the precise cause of the disease remains unknown, both genetic and environmental factors are widely recognized for their contributions to RA's onset and progression. Studies of twins and families have found ample evidence for RA's hereditary component. However, researchers are still unclear about how genes influence distinct features of this complex disease. …
