Joint inflammation that started earlier than expected — and a question about whether your immune genetics explain the severity, predict the course, or guide which therapy works first.
Whole genome sequencing identifies HLA and immune pathway variants that shape rheumatoid arthritis risk and treatment response — providing a more complete picture for you and your physician.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by symmetrical polyarticular inflammation leading to progressive joint destruction and loss of function. Prevalence is approximately 0.5-1% of the global population, affecting women approximately 2.5 times more commonly than men, with typical onset between ages 40 and 60 (though any age can be affected). Heritability is estimated at approximately 60%, indicating strong genetic contribution to disease development. More than 100 GWAS loci have been identified as contributing to RA susceptibility; the strongest genetic risk factors are in the HLA region, particularly specific HLA-DRB1 alleles sharing a common amino acid sequence in the peptide-binding groove called the 'shared epitope' (SE).
HLA-DRB1 and PTPN22 together account for approximately 40% of the total genetic risk in RA. HLA-DRB1 encodes a Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class II molecule; specific HLA-DRB1 alleles (DRB1*04:01, DRB1*04:04, DRB1*01:01) share amino acid sequences (positions 71, 74) that define the 'shared epitope.' This shared epitope preferentially binds and presents citrullinated peptides to CD4+ T cells, driving autoreactive T cell activation and producing anti-citrullinated protein antibody (anti-CCP) responses characteristic of RA. PTPN22 encodes protein tyrosine phosphatase N22, involved in T cell receptor signaling; loss-of-function variants (Arg620Trp) paradoxically increase autoreactive T cell activation.
RA is not a simple Mendelian disease but rather a complex multigenic condition where multiple genetic risk factors combine with environmental triggers (smoking, infections, dietary factors) and immunological events to produce disease. HLA-DRB1 shared epitope typing has prognostic value: patients carrying shared epitope alleles have higher rates of anti-CCP positivity, more severe radiographic changes, worse clinical outcomes, and higher response rates to certain DMARDs. Understanding the genetic basis of RA has led to targeted therapies: IL-23 pathway inhibition (ustekinumab, risankizumab, guselkumab) was developed based on GWAS identification of IL23R as an RA susceptibility locus, now providing new treatment options for patients who do not respond to conventional therapies.
Genetic testing is not standard for RA diagnosis. Genome Test enables comprehensive risk profiling as clinical implementation emerges.
RA involves >100 genetic loci, each with small individual effect
Genetic contribution to RA involves more than 100 loci, each with small individual effect sizes; current single-gene or limited gene panels cannot capture all contributors. HLA-DRB1 typing is sometimes performed for prognosis assessment but is not routine. Genetic testing does not replace the clinical diagnosis and serological workup (rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP antibodies). However, whole genome sequencing provides the comprehensive GWAS variant data necessary for future polygenic risk score calculation — enabling individualized genetic risk assessment that may eventually guide therapy intensity and inform family screening.
Genetic understanding has transformed RA drug development
The landmark discovery that IL23R variants protect against RA led directly to therapeutic development: IL-23 pathway inhibitors (ustekinumab, risankizumab, guselkumab) are now approved for RA, producing dramatic responses in subgroups of patients. Similarly, STAT4 identification as a susceptibility locus has guided development of STAT4-targeting therapies. Understanding the genetic basis of RA has principally driven drug development and may eventually enable personalized medicine approaches — selecting specific biologic therapies based on individual genetic profiles to optimize response rates and minimize side effects.
Your full DNA (not just a part of it)
Traditional genetic testing looks at narrow sets of genes, missing most parts of your genome. We sequence your full genome — every gene and every region between genes.
Comprehensive insights and specialized reports
Easy to read and with answers you and your doctor can act on. Not a file to interpret — 200+ clinical reports, organized by category.
Your test becomes more valuable every year
Your DNA does not change, but genome science is accelerating. Every month, new variant-disease associations are discovered. We validate these findings and update your reports automatically. Your test becomes more valuable every year.
The results doctors bring to their hardest cases.
Forty years of uncertainty. One test.
A patient had spent decades in the UK healthcare system without a diagnosis. Dante data, accepted by NHS clinical teams at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital Glasgow, identified Noonan Syndrome and a RUNX1 leukemia-associated variant that had gone undetected. After 40 years, they finally had an answer.
A complete read delivers a complete picture.
A patient came to Dante to investigate periodic paralysis. Reading the complete genome identified a concurrent hereditary cardiac finding — Brugada syndrome — that their doctor confirmed with an ECG. The result also explained a family member's unresolved cardiac history. One test. Every answer in it.
Sequenced in 2019. The data worked in 2021.
Jennifer sequenced her genome with Dante two years before her breast cancer diagnosis. When treatment began, Dante's pharmacogenomics data showed her prescribed chemotherapy would cause serious adverse effects. Her doctor selected an alternative — and she started effective treatment from day one.
Every genetic question deserves a complete answer.
Whether you are searching for answers today or protecting your health for tomorrow, a complete read of your entire genome is the only place to start.
It runs in your family. Now you can know if it runs in your genes.
Your genome contains inherited variants associated with medical conditions like cardiac, cancer, and neurological. We read all of them — with the clinical depth to give the result meaning.
Learn more →When traditional lab tests say you're fine. And you know you're not.
Standard diagnostic tests check for a pre-selected set of answers. We sequence your full DNA — including parts that no test was designed to check. If the answer is in your genome, we will help you find it.
Learn more →Your diagnosis may be right. Your treatment plan may be incomplete.
Your genes determine which treatments are most likely to work — and which are not. We give your doctor the tools and insights to inform your treatment plan.
Learn more →You want to know before something forces the question.
Some people don't wait for a diagnosis or a family history to act. Whole genome sequencing gives you the complete genetic picture now — so you and your doctor can make informed decisions before anything becomes urgent.
Learn more →You already took a DNA test. Here's what it couldn't tell you.
Most consumer DNA tests read less than 0.1% of your genome. We read all of it.
Learn more →Clinical-grade results. Chosen by individuals, trusted by doctors for their most complex cases.
Dante Genome Test helped specialists at a UK national acute hospital in the identification of Noonan Syndrome and a rare leukemia-associated genetic variant that had gone undetected. That result changed the medical care of the patient.
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Common questions about whole genome sequencing.
What is the difference between whole genome sequencing and a targeted genetic test?
Targeted genetic tests — including standard hereditary cancer panels — read a pre-defined list of known variants in a specific set of genes. They are designed to find what they already know to look for. Whole genome sequencing reads your entire genome: all 6 billion base pairs, every gene, every region between genes. A Mayo Clinic study published in JAMA Oncology found that standard testing guidelines missed more than half of patients with inherited cancer mutations. Genome Test does not have a fixed list.
What will I receive when my results are ready?
Your Dante Genome delivers 200+ physician-ready reports organized by clinical category — hereditary cancer, cardiac conditions, rare diseases, pharmacogenomics, carrier status, and more. Reports are delivered to your secure Genome Manager and are formatted for direct clinical use. Your genome data is permanently retained and re-analyzed automatically as science advances.
What happens if a clinically significant variant is found?
If a pathogenic or likely-pathogenic variant is identified, it will be clearly flagged in your physician-ready report with clinical context, published evidence, and recommended next steps. We recommend sharing any clinically significant finding with your physician or a genetic counselor, who can guide decisions about surveillance, risk reduction, or cascade testing for family members.
How is this different from a consumer DNA test like 23andMe or AncestryDNA?
Consumer DNA tests use genotyping chips that read less than 0.1% of your genome — a tiny pre-selected set of common variants. They are optimized for ancestry and population-level traits, not clinical genetic findings. The Dante Genome Test sequences 100% of your genome at 30X coverage, the same standard used in clinical diagnostic settings. The two tests are not comparable in scope, methodology, or clinical utility.
How long does it take to get results, and how are they delivered?
Your collection kit ships within 48 hours of ordering. Once your sample arrives at our CLIA-certified laboratory, sequencing and analysis takes 6–8 weeks. Results are delivered securely to your Genome Manager, where you can access your reports, share them with your physician, and receive automatic updates as new findings are validated against your genome.
We work with patient advocacy groups worldwide.
Dante Labs works with patient advocacy groups of any size — for Rheumatoid Arthritis and other conditions, rare and common. We support groups in any country, including virtual patient advocacy groups.
We can provide customized reports, group discounts, and packages tailored for your members. Please reach out using the form and we'll be in touch within two business days.
- Custom genomic reports for your members
- Group discounts and tailored packages
- Any country — including virtual groups
- Rare and common conditions covered
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We’ll be in touch within 2 business days. To follow up directly: hello@dantelabs.com
One test.
A lifetime of answers.
One kit, sent to your home. Your entire genome sequenced at the clinical standard used for diagnostic decisions. 200+ physician-ready reports delivered to your Genome Manager in 6–8 weeks — permanent and updated as science advances.
Ships within 48 hours · Results in 6–8 weeks
