ADAM12, A NOVEL MARKER FOR ABNORMAL CELL FUNCTION

摘要

The present invention provides a method, an assay and a kit for providing an indication of abnormal cell function. It was surprisingly found that the change in the ser um ADAM12 concentration in individuals was useful as a prognostic tool to predict the clinical outcome, complications and mortality following an abnormal cell function. The present inventors describes ADAM12 as a overall general marker for abnormal cell function, and the present inventor for the first time demonstrate that ADAM1 2 is an important indicator of fetal chromosomal disease and placenta function. Specifically ADAM12 is a good marker for e.g. Downs's syndrome, trisomy 18, preeclampsia, Turner syndrome in both first and second trimester. The present inventors developed an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and a time-resolved immunofluorometric assay for the quantification of ADAM12 in serum. The present application demonstrates in several examples the variation of th e ADAM12 level in fetal abnormality and/or adverse pregnancy outcomes correlated gestational age when compared to normal controls. It is an object of the invention to provid e an improvement of the existing marker tests that exhibits a decreased false positive rate.