| 摘要 |
<p>The invention relates to the identification and selection of novel biomarkers and the identification and selection of novel biomarker combinations which are differentially expressed in osteoarthritis and/or in a particular stage of Osteoarthritis, as well as a means of selecting the novel biomarker combinations. The biomarkers are alpha glucosidase II alpha subunit (G2AN) and tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 6 (TNFAIP6). The measurement of expression of the products of the biomarkers and combinations of biomarkers of the invention demonstrates particular advantage in one or more of the following: (a) diagnosing individuals as having arthritis, (b) differentiating between two stages of osteoarthritis (OA) and (c) diagnosing individuals as having a particular stage of osteoarthritis (OA). As would be understood, in order to measure the products of biomarkers of the invention, polynucleotides and proteins which specifically and/or selectively hybridize to the products of the biomarkers of the invention are also encompassed within the scope of the invention as are kits containing said polynucleotides and proteins for use in (a) diagnosing individuals as having arthritis, (b) differentiating between two stages of osteoarthritis (OA) and (c) diagnosing individuals as having a particular stage of osteoarthritis (OA). Further encompassed by the invention is the use of the polynucleotides and proteins which specifically and/or selectively hybridize to the product of the biomarkers of the invention to monitor disease progression in an individual and to monitor the efficacy of therapeutic regimens. The invention also provides for methods of using the products of the biomarkers of the invention in the identification of novel therapeutic targets for osteoarthritis. The invention also provides for methods of using the products of the biomarkers of the invention in the identification of compounds that bind and/or modulate the activity of the genes of the invention. The compounds identified via such methods are useful for the development of assays to study osteoarthritis and osteoarthritis progression. Further, the compounds identified via such methods are useful as lead compounds in the development of prophylactic and therapeutic compositions for the prevention, treatment, management and/or amelioration of osteoarthritis or a symptom thereof.</p> |
