Biomarkers for premature birth
AssigneeThe Chinese University of Hong Kong
InventorsStephen Siu-Chung CHIM, Chee Yin Cheung, Cheung Cheung, Tak Yeung Leung, Wing Shan Lee
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Abstract
The present invention provides a method for determining increased risk of premature birth in a pregnant woman by detecting altered expression level of one or more marker genes in the woman's blood. A kit and device useful for such a method are also provided. In addition, the present invention provides a method for preventing or reducing the likelihood of premature birth.
Claims22
A method for determining risk of premature birth, comprising the steps of:
- (a) measuring mRNA level of a marker in a blood sample taken from a pregnant woman, wherein the marker is selected from the group consisting of the genes in Table 2, CD16A, and CD62L;
- and
- (b) comparing the mRNA level obtained in step (a) with a standard control,
- wherein an increase or decrease in the mRNA level when compared with the standard control indicates the woman having increased risk of premature birth.
A kit for determining risk of premature birth, comprising (1) a standard control that provides an average level of a marker gene mRNA;
- and (2) an agent that specifically and quantitatively identifies the marker gene mRNA, wherein the marker gene is selected from the group consisting of the genes in Table 2, CD16A, and CD62L.
-23. (canceled)
A method for reducing risk of premature birth in a pregnant woman, comprising administering to the woman an effective amount of (1) an antisense polynucleotide sequence or an siRNA against a marker gene in Table 2, or against CD16A or CD62L;
- or (2) an expression cassette comprising the cDNA sequence of a marker gene in Table 2 and directing the transcription of the marker gene.
(canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.