The expression of zinc finger 804a (ZNF804a) and cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1) genes is related to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

Context: ZNF804a and CDK1 genes code for proteins involved in inflammatory pathways. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation of ZNF804a and CDK1 expression profiles in RA with the activity and the severity of the disease and to assess their association with inflammatory reactions in the Egyptian RA patients. Methods: ZNF804a and CDK1 expression profiles were assessed using quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR). Clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated. Results: ZNF804a expression was down-regulated by 0.177-fold while CDK1 expression was up-regulated to 3.29-fold in RA patients compared with healthy controls (p <.001). ZNF804a down-regulation was negatively correlated with CRP, RF, disease activity score of 28 joints (DAS) using CRP (DAS-CRP) and TNF-α. CDK1 overexpression was correlated with IFN-1 and ACPA in RA patients. Conclusion: ZNF804a and CDK1 genes are implicated in RA pathogenesis due to their influences on TNF-α and IFN-1 which contribute to inflammation in RA patients.