Expression of the critical transcription factor RUNX1, which regulates CD34+ cell development and differentiation, was abnormal, and augmentation of these expression levels might induce dysfunction of marrow haematopoietic stem cells and the haematopoietic microenvironment and be involved in the progression of psoriasis.
A DNA variant, rs734232, altering a RUNX1 binding site was recently reported as susceptibility allele at PSORS2 (17q25) in cohorts of psoriasis patients from the US.
Although the association of RUNX1 with RA was identified as a regulatory factor of SLC22A4, it is possible that RUNX1 is a key molecule in autoimmunity, as it has been reported to be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus and psoriasis, two other autoimmune diseases.