Identification of Molecular Markers for Endometriosis in Blood Lymphocytes Using DNA Microarrays
Description of Invention:
Endometriosis is a common, non-malignant gynecological disease that affects up to 20% of women during their reproductive years. Endometriosis is characterized by the growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. This growth of tissue causes recurring severe pain and can lead to infertility. As the current procedure used for diagnosis is invasive and not entirely accurate, there is a need for a fast, accurate, and minimally invasive test to test for endometriosis.
Using DNA microarray analysis of blood lymphocytes, the inventors have identified two gene markers expressed in blood that are able to discriminate between those women who have endometriosis and those that don't. The two gene markers identified are interleukin-2 receptor gamma (IL-2RG, a component of cytokine receptors) and lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1, which plays an important role in collagen synthesis and has also been implicated as a growth regulatory gene). Other genes identified in the same manner and which also represent potential biomarkers for endometriosis await further validation studies.
The test would be minimally invasive and quick using a blood sample from the patient. Currently, patients must undergo a laparoscopy with the diagnosis dependent upon the expertise of the surgeon performing the procedure.
Inventors:
Idhaliz Flores (NHGRI) et al.
Patent Status:
DHHS Reference No. E-068-2005/0 --
U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/654,331 filed 18 Feb 2005
PCT Application No. PCT/US2005/044723 filed 09 Dec 2005
Licensing Status: In addition to licensing, the technology is available for further development through collaborative research opportunities with the inventors.
For Additional Information Please Contact: Tara L. Kirby Ph.D.
NIH Office of Technology Transfer
6011 Executive Blvd, Suite 325
Rockville, MD 20852-3804
Phone: (301)435-4426
Email: tarak@mail.nih.gov
Fax: (301)402-0220
