Human FcgammaRIIB gene polymorphisms for assessing development of systemic lupus erythematosus and compositions for use thereof

Abstract

The present invention provides methods for predicting the likelihood of development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in an individual, which comprise determining the sequence at one or more polymorphic positions within the human genes encoding FcγRIIB. The invention also provides isolated nucleic acids encoding FcγRIIB polymorphisms, nucleic acid probes that hybridize to polymorphic positions and kits for the prediction of SLE status.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] The present application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No. 10 / 085,484, filed on Feb. 26, 2002, the content of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference. [0002] The research described herein was funded in part by the following grants: National Institute of Health, NIAMS, R03 AR47106-01.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0003] The present invention relates to genetic polymorphisms and polymorphism patterns useful for assessing development of systemic lupus erythematosus in humans. More particularly, the invention relates to identifying and using polymorphism patterns comprising a polymorphism in the human FcγIIB receptor to predict a treatment outcome or likelihood of developing systemic lupus erythematosus, and to assist in diagnosis and in prescription of an effective therapeutic regimen. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Systemic Lupus Erythematosus [0004] Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory disease that can affec...

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Benefits of technology

[0033] A “predisposition to develop systemic lupus erythematosus” refers to an increased likelihood, relative to the general population, to develop SLE, as defined above. A predisposition does not signify certainty, and development of the disease may be forestalled or prevented by prophylaxis, e.g., adopting a modified diet, exercise program, or treatment with gene therapy or pharmaceuticals. Naturally, an advantage of the present invention is that it permits identification of individuals, based on their genotype, who are predisposed to develop SLE, and for whom prophylactic intervention can be especially important.

[0034] A “polymorphism” as used herein denotes a variation in the nucleotide sequence of a gene in an individual. Genes that have different nucleotide sequences as a result of a polymorphism are “alleles.” A “polymorphic position” is a predetermined nucleotide position within the sequence. In some cases, genetic polymorphisms are reflected by an amino acid sequence variation, and thus a polymorphic position can result in location of a polymorphism in the amino acid sequence at a predetermined position in the sequence of a polypeptide. An individual “homozygous” for a particular polymorphism is one in which both copies of the gene contain the same sequence at the polymorphic position. An individual “heterozygous” for a particular polymorphism is one in which the two copies of the gene contain different sequences at the polymorphic position.

[0035] A “polymorphism pattern” as used herein denotes a set of one or more polymorphisms, including without limitation single nucleotide polymorphisms, which may be contained in the sequence of a single gene or a plurality of genes. In the simplest case, a polymorphism pattern can consist of a single nucleotide polymorphism in only one position of one of two alleles of an individual. However, one has to look at both copies of a gene. A “test polymorphism pattern” as used herein is a polymorphism pattern determined for a human subject of undefined SLE status. A “reference polymorphism pattern” as used herein is determined from a statistically significant correlation of patterns in a population of individuals having SLE.

[0036]“Nucleic acid” or “polynucleotide” as used herein refers to purine- and pyrimidine-containing polymers of any length, either polyribonucleotides or polydeoxyribonucleotides or mixed polyribo-polydeoxyribo nucleotides. Nucleic acids include without limitation single- and double-stranded molecules, i.e., DNA-DNA, DNA-RNA and RNA-RNA hybrids, as well as “protein nucleic acids” (PNA) formed by conjugating bases to an amino acid backbone. This also includes nucleic acids containing modified bases and non-naturally occurring phosphoester analog bonds, such as phosphorothioates and thioesters. The term nucleic acid molecule, and in particular DNA or RNA molecule, refers only to the primary and secondary structure of the molecule, and does not limit it to any particular tertiary forms. Thus, this term includes double-stranded DNA found, inter alia, in linear or circular DNA molecules (e.g., restriction fragments), plasmids, and chromosomes. In discussing the structure of particular double-stranded DNA molecules, sequences may be described herein according to the normal convention of giving only the sequence in the 5′ to 3′ direction along the nontranscribed strand of DNA (i.e., the strand having a sequence homologous to the mRNA). A “recombinant DNA molecule” is a DNA molecule that has undergone a molecular biological manipulation.

[0037] As used herein, the term “oligonucleotide” refers to a nucleic acid, generally of at least 10, preferably at least 15, and more preferably at least 20 nucleotides, that is hybridizable to a genomic DNA molecule, a cDNA molecule, or an mRNA molecule encoding a gene, cDNA, mRNA, or other nucleic acid of interest. Oligonucleotides can be labeled, e.g., with 32P-nucleotides or nucleotides to which a label, such as biotin, has been covalently conjugated. In one embodiment, a labeled oligonucleotide can be used as a probe to detect the presence of a nucleic acid. In another embodiment, oligonucleotides (one or both of which may be labeled) can be used as PCR primers, either for cloning full length or a fragment of a gene of interest, or to detect the presence of nucleic acids encoding the gene of interest. In a further embodiment, an oligonucleotide of the invention can form a triple helix with a double stranded sequence of interest in a DNA molecule. In still another embodiment, a library of oligonucleotides arranged on a solid support, such as a silicon wafer or chip, can be used to detect various polymorphisms of interest. Generally, oligonucleotides are prepared synthetically, preferably on a nucleic acid synthesizer. Accordingly, oligonucleotides can be prepared with non-naturally occurring phosphoester analog bonds, such as thioester bonds.

[0038] An “isolated” nucleic acid or polypeptide as used herein refers to a nucleic acid or polypeptide that is removed from its original environment (for example, its natural environment if it is naturally occurring). An isolated nucleic acid or polypeptide contains less than about 50%, preferably less than about 75%, and most preferably less than about 90%, of the cellular components with which it was originally associated.

Problems solved by technology

SLE may be a mild disease, however, may also be serious and life-threatening.

However, there may be stages of the disease when few symptoms are evident, and patients with SLE may not necessarily exhibit identical symptoms.

Therefore, lupus is difficult to diagnose.

To date there is no single laboratory test that can definitively detect lupus.

The immunofluorescent antinuclear antibody (ANA) test is more specific for SLE, however, positive results are inconclusive because they may be indicative of other diseases.

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