The effect of SNPs on candidate gene expression
To explore whether the three loci affect the expression of the
corresponding gene mRNA, we tested the biological function of various
genetic variants. This was performed by measuring the expression ofIL2RA in anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibody stimulated PBMCs
obtained from healthy controls since the presence of immunosuppressive
drug treatment in GD patients might affect gene expression. Studies
revealed that the rs2104286 locus risk AA genotype individuals showed a
significantly decreased IL2RA mRNA compared with those with the
protective AG genotype (P =, Figure 1). No significant difference
was observed in the IL2RA mRNA expression among various genotype
individuals at the IL2RA /rs3118470 locus in anti-CD3 and
anti-CD28 antibody-stimulated PBMC from healthy controls
(P >0.05, Figure S1).