SYNOVIAL MEMBRANE CELL PROTEIN

摘要

A novel protein synoviolin and a gene encoding the same are disclosed. This protein is expressed specifically in the synovial membrane tissue and associated with an autoantibody which recognizes this protein in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This protein or its antibody is expected as being useful as an RA-specific diagnostic marker. Moreover, it is expected that an RA remedy could be screened by using the above gene or protein. A transgenic animal of the synoviolin gene is also provided. This transgenic animal is usable as an RA model animal in developing a remedy for RA.