Many genes are thought to contribute to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Currently only one such gene has been identified. This study will attempt to identify all of the genes that may contribute to RA and determine which specific genetic variations are responsible for the disease.

The identification of genes for complex disorders such as RA requires large numbers of genetically informative families. This study will enroll patients with RA and their families.

This study will enroll 1000 RA patients and their parents. Participants with RA will be evaluated by a study official at his or her doctor's office or other location convenient for the participant. Participants will have a brief interview and physical exam and a blood sample will be obtained. Disease evaluation will be done at one visit and will include a 28 joint count, joint alignment and mobility score (JAMS), administration of a health assessment questionnaire and other related questionnaires. Physician confirmation of diagnosis will also be included in the disease evaluation.

• Jawaheer D, Li W, Graham RR, Chen W, Damle A, Xiao X, Monteiro J, Khalili H, Lee A, Lundsten R, Begovich A, Bugawan T, Erlich H, Elder JT, Criswell LA, Seldin MF, Amos CI, Behrens TW, Gregersen PK. Dissecting the genetic complexity of the association between human leukocyte antigens and rheumatoid arthritis. Am J Hum Genet. 2002 Sep; 71(3): 585-94. Epub 2002 Aug 09.
• Jawaheer D, Seldin MF, Amos CI, Chen WV, Shigeta R, Monteiro J, Kern M, Criswell LA, Albani S, Nelson JL, Clegg DO, Pope R, Schroeder HW Jr, Bridges SL Jr, Pisetsky DS, Ward R, Kastner DL, Wilder RL, Pincus T, Callahan LF, Flemming D, Wener MH, Gregersen PK. A genomewide screen in multiplex rheumatoid arthritis families suggests genetic overlap with other autoimmune diseases. Am J Hum Genet. 2001 Apr; 68(4): 927-36. Epub 2001 Mar 09.
• Jawaheer D, Seldin MF, Amos CI, Chen WV, Shigeta R, Etzel C, Damle A, Xiao X, Chen D, Lum RF, Monteiro J, Kern M, Criswell LA, Albani S, Nelson JL, Clegg DO, Pope R, Schroeder HW Jr, Bridges SL Jr, Pisetsky DS, Ward R, Kastner DL, Wilder RL, Pincus T, Callahan LF, Flemming D, Wener MH, Gregersen PK; North American Rheumatoid Arthritis Consortium. Screening the genome for rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility genes: a replication study and combined analysis of 512 multicase families. Arthritis Rheum. 2003 Apr; 48(4): 906-16.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adult onset RA, RF positive or anti-CCP positive
• Diagnosis of RA made between 18 and 60 years old
• Both parents alive and willing to participate
• Parents may have diagnosis of RA (affected) or be unaffected

Exclusion Criteria:

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Lupus
• Psoriatic arthritis