Polymorphisms and functional haplotype in PADI4: Further evidence for contribution on rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies in a western Mexican population

• Three polymorphisms in PADI4 were evaluated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Mexican patients.
• PADI4 polymorphisms and a functional haplotype are associated with rheumatoid arthritis.
• The susceptibility haplotype is associated with anti-CCP antibodies.
• Carriers of the susceptibility haplotype had increased PADI4 expression.

Peptidyl arginine deiminase IV (PADI4) enzyme catalyzes the citrullination of proteins, which are recognized by anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Here, we determined the association between PADI4 gene polymorphisms and haplotypes with RA susceptibility and clinical characteristics in a western Mexican population. The relationship of PADI4 polymorphisms with anti-CCP and PADI4 mRNA expression was also evaluated. PADI4_89, PADI4_90 and PADI4_92 polymorphisms were individually associated with RA susceptibility. The GTG haplotype was significantly associated with: RA susceptibility; disease onset at ≤40 years and anti-CCP antibodies. PADI4 expression was three fold higher in RA patients carrying the susceptibility haplotype (GTG) than in non-susceptibility haplotype carriers (ACC). In conclusion, polymorphisms and functional haplotype (GTG) in PADI4 are associated with RA susceptibility as well as anti-CCP antibodies in a Mexican population. This supports the role of PADI4 early in RA pathogenesis by promoting the generation of citrullinated autoantigens.