Among the candidate genes located in locus 1q32.1 are CHI3L1 (chitinase 3-like 1 (cartilage glycoprotein-39)) gene which has been implicated in local autoimmune response that leads to chronic inflammation and joint destruction in RA patients [31] and the IKBKE (inhibitor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells, kinase epsilon) gene which has been reported to play a role in synovial inflammation, extracellular matrix destruction, and activation of the viral program and innate immune response in RA [32]. Here, CHI3L1 is linked to rheumatoid arthritis.