Tmsb4 as a Biomarker for IgA Nephropathy

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for diagnosis or prognosis of IgA nephropathy in a subject based on detection of the expression level of one or more biomarker genes selected from the group consisting of thymosin β4 (Tmsb4), serine or cysteine proteinase inhibitor clade E member 2 (Serpine2), secreted phosphoprotein 1 (OPN), butyrophilin-like-2 (BTNL2), S100 calcium binding protein A8 (S100A8), Cystatin C (CysC), and any combination thereof.

1 . A method for diagnosing IgA nephropathy in a subject, comprising analyzing urine from the subject for the expression level of thymosin β4 (Tmsb4) polypeptide, wherein the expression level of Tmsb4 polypeptide in said urine from said subject that is increased relative to the expression level of Tmsb4 polypeptide in urine from a control indicates that the subject is afflicted with IgA nephropathy. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the urine is obtained in a non-invasive way. 
     
     
         3 . A method for diagnosing IgA nephropathy in a subject, comprising analyzing urine or renal tissue from the subject for the expression level of thymosin β4 (Tmsb4) gene, wherein the expression level of Tmsb4 gene in said urine or renal tissue from said subject that is increased relative to the expression level of Tmsb4 gene in urine or renal tissue from a control indicates that the subject is afflicted with IgA nephropathy and wherein the expression level is determined by measuring an mRNA level of Tmsb4. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein the mRNA levels are measured by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) or in situ hybridization (ISH). 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the expression level of the Tmsb4 polypeptide is measured by immunohistochemistry, western blotting, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).