The focus of my research program is the genetics and epidemiology of human autoimmune disease, particularly rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). As part of my studies of RA, we recently completed an analysis of familial clustering of RA disease features and a genome screen focusing on two RA-related quantitative traits utilizing the North American RA Consortium (NARAC) collection of multicase RA families.  A genome wide screen using SNP markers has also recently been completed among the NARAC families, in collaboration with Illumina.  As part of the Multiple Autoimmune Disease Genetics Consortium (MADGC), we recently completed a detailed description of the initial 300 multiplex families, including an analysis of a recently discovered autoimmunity gene, PTPN22.  A genome wide screen has also recently been completed among the largest of these multiplex autoimmune families, in collaboration with Myriad Genetics. Recent work utilizing the population-based Iowa Women’s Health Study cohort has focused on gene-environment interactions, where we have demonstrated interaction between exposure to tobacco smoke and two specific genetic risk factors.  Some of our recent work in SLE indicates that exposure to tobacco smoke influences the production of anti-double stranded DNA autoantibodies. We also recently completed a study of genetic predictors of treatment response and infectious complications among a cohort of patients with early RA enrolled in a randomized controlled trial of methotrexate and etanercept.  Ongoing candidate gene studies utilizing my large SLE family cohort include investigations of viral receptor loci, CD45, PD1, ESR1, and renin angiotensin system polymorphisms.  Recently initiated projects include a comprehensive, family-based study of the HLA region in SLE and RA using a panel of 2,400 SNP markers across the region, and a RA genetics study utilizing a genetically isolated population in the Netherlands.  Lastly, we are collaborating on a study using admixture mapping methods to identify disease loci for SLE among African Americans, and an international SLE consortium project to perform a genome wide association study among a large group of Caucasian SLE cases and controls.