Gouty inflammation: genetic mechanisms towards flare therapy

Purpose of review This review presents evidence for pathways that have genetic underpinnings in gout that should be prioritized for further study and therapeutic development. Recent findings Recent genome-wide association studies have identified molecular mechanisms in the pathogenesis of gout that converge on cell metabolism, phagocytosis of crystals and cytokine signalling. Summary Understanding how the gene pathways function to influence the gout flare; crystal formation, crystal deposition and the subsequent immune response and inflammation characteristic of the gout flare is critical to developing additional therapies in the gout repertoire.