We also found RASAL1, a gene identified by WES that is enriched for deleterious variants in dcSSc.4 The set of downregulated genes included IKZF3 and TNFSF4, both identified in a meta-GWAS SSc study,18 as well as TERT and TMPRSS3, candidate genes for dcSSc identified by WES.4 Therefore our DE analysis from patients with SSc and controls revealed hundreds of genes associated with SSc in MDMs, including genes previously implicated in the genetic aetiology of the disease. This evidence concerns the gene TERT and systemic sclerosis.