Low-frequency and rare genetic variants associated with rheumatoid arthritis risk

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has an estimated heritability of nearly 50%, which is particularly high in seropositive RA. HLA alleles account for a large proportion of this heritability, in addition to many common single-nucleotide polymorphisms with smaller individual effects. Low-frequency and rare variants, such as those captured by next-generation sequencing, can also have a large role in heritability in some individuals. Rare variant discovery has informed the development of drugs such as inhibitors of PCSK9 and Janus kinases. Some 34 low-frequency and rare variants are currently associated with RA risk. One variant (19:10352442G>C in TYK2) was identified in five separate studies, and might therefore represent a promising therapeutic target. Following a set of best practices in future studies, including studying diverse populations, using large sample sizes, validating RA and serostatus, replicating findings, adjusting for other variants and performing functional assessment, could help to ensure the relevance of identified variants. Exciting opportunities are now on the horizon for genetics in RA, including larger datasets and consortia, whole-genome sequencing and direct applications of findings in the management, and especially treatment, of RA. Rheumatoid arthritis has a substantial genetic component, some of which is associated with the presence of low-frequency or rare variants. Next-generation sequencing in large and well-defined cohorts can continue to identify these variants and thereby contribute to the future prediction, diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.