Furthermore, several autoantibodies have been identified in the serum of SSc patients, that seem to have a direct pathogenic effect on the endothelium: indeed, antibodies directed against endothelial cells, endothelin 1 receptor and angiotensin II receptor can induce activation and apoptosis of endothelial cells and are associated with PAH onset (69–80). The gene discussed is EDNRA; the disease is systemic sclerosis.