NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCES FOR USE AS BIOMARKER FOR DAMAGE TO THE INTESTINAL EPITHILUM

摘要

The present invention relates to a mucosal pentraxin (MPtx) and nucleic acids encoding the MPtx polypeptide, the expression of which in intestinal epithelium is down regulated in response to cytotoxic dieatary components such as herne. The MPtx nucleic acids and polypeptides may be used as biomarker for damage of the intestinal epithelium and/or as biomarker for increased risk of colon cancer. The MPtx nucleic acids and polypeptides may further be used as biomarker in assays for indentification of substances that modulate the condition of the intestinal epithelium. The invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the MPtx nucleic acids, polypeptides or antibodies thereto for use in methods for treating a MPtx deficiency.