Genetic reduction of FLI1 expression by 50% (Fli1+/-) in NZM2410 and MRL/lpr lupus prone mice significantly decreased autoantibody levels, renal pathology, and proteinuria and significantly increased survival in comparison to lupus mice with wild-type FLI1 levels (Fli1+/+) [5,6,14]. The gene discussed is FLI1; the disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.