The prognostic value of whole-genome DNA methylation in response to Leflunomide in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Two hundred forty-five RA patients were prospectively enrolled from four participating study centers. A whole-genome DNA methylation profiling was conducted to identify LEF-related response signatures via comparison of 40 samples using Illumina 850k methylation arrays. Furthermore, differentially methylated positions (DMPs) were validated in the 245 RA patients using a targeted bisulfite sequencing assay. Lastly, prognostic models were developed, which included clinical chacteristics and DMPs signatures, for the preduction of LEF treatment response using machine learning algorithms.