Association of Zinc Finger-76 rs10947540 polymorphism and its gene expression in Egyptian patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the involvement of multiple organs and dysregulation of the immune system. Zinc finger (ZNF) proteins act as DNA-binding transcription factors, thereby regulating gene expression. Polymorphisms, specifically single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), within ZNF-coding genes, have been implicated in susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, including the ZNF-76 gene in SLE. This investigation aimed to elucidate the association between ZNF-76 gene expression, protein levels, and rs10947540 SNP in a cohort of Egyptian SLE patients. One hundred healthy controls and one hundred SLE patients were recruited. Quantitative real-time PCR was employed to identify ZNF-76 (C/T) rs10947540 genotypes and quantify serum ZNF-76 mRNA expression. Additionally, serum ZNF-76 protein levels were measured using ELISA. Our results revealed downregulation of ZNF-76 mRNA expression in approximately 75% of SLE patients, with a significant decrease (0.23-fold) in median expression compared to controls. Furthermore, SLE patients exhibited a higher prevalence of high-risk TT genotype and demonstrably lower serum ZNF-76 protein levels. In conclusion, this study suggests a strong association between decreased serum ZNF-76 mRNA expression and increased susceptibility to SLE in the studied Egyptian population. Specific SNP in the ZNF-76 gene may be potential markers for inherited predisposition to SLE in this population.