We have here confirmed that anti-RNAP are negatively correlated with anti-centromere and anti-Scl70 antibodies and have also shown that this phenomenon applies to other autoantibodies seen in SSc, such as anti-Ro antibodies, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies, rheumatoid factor and anti-phospholipid antibodies. The gene discussed is CALR; the disease is systemic sclerosis.