New Advances in Genetics of AS

The genes which lie behind AS have been amongst the highest priorities of researchers studying this disease around the world. The study suggests ERAP1 may be play a significant role in AS disease. This represents the most significant genetic discovery in AS since HLA-B27 was discovered in 1973. It is particularly gratifying that this is a distinctively Canadian achievement, with patients drawn from across Canada. SPARCC researchers have made genetic studies a priority as this will greatly advance knowledge about the cause of AS and has important implications for earlier diagnosis and development of more effective treatments.