Screening for antibodies against the SAE1 antigen is performed to investigate polymyositis, dermatomyositis, and overlap syndrome.
Antibodies against the SAE1 or SUMO-1 antigen can be detected in <10% of patients with dermatomyositis. The clinical picture includes Gottron's papules and a heliotrope-like rash on the eyelids. Symptoms and signs of skin often precede myositis as well as dysphagia. Interstitial lung disease may also occur.
