In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) displayed increased expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNFR-I), alongside elevated levels of signaling intermediates TRADD, RIP, and TRAF-2, indicating augmented TNF-α signaling pathways in RA. However, additional regulatory mechanisms are likely at play. The gene discussed is TRAF2; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.