Genome‐Wide Association Analysis and Multi‐Omic Mendelian Randomization Insight Into the Molecular Network of Immune‐Related Dysfunction in the Pathogenesis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Twenty-nine independent risk loci for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were identified, including 7 novel associations.

• ERAP2 was classified as a high-confidence causal gene for RA, while SWAP70 and LTBR were classified as moderate-confidence causal genes.
• SWAP70 is associated with a protective effect against RA, whereas ERAP2 and LTBR are positively linked to RA risk.
• Single-cell RNA sequencing identified cell-type-specific expression patterns, with SWAP70 mainly found in B cells and LTBR in dendritic cells.
• Bulk RNA sequencing confirmed that SWAP70, RASGRP1, and RHOH are upregulated in RA patients.

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