USE OF PRE-MRNA SPLICING IN PLATELET CELLS FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF DISEASE

摘要

The invention relates to materials and procedures for identifying or using tissue factor (TF) pre-mRNA splicing, Clk 1 activity or TF-dependent coagulation in platelet cells for the diagnosis, prognosis, or prediction of a disease or disorder associated with disordered coagulation. Since activated platelets splice pre-mRNAs to generate inflammatory and thrombotic mediators that contribute to diseases such as sepsis and septic shock, (TF) pre-mRNA splicing in platelets is an indicator of inflammatory and thrombotic disease states. TF pre-mRNA splicing in platelets is correlated with sepsis, increased age (≧65), APACHE II score, and bacteremia. Thus, TF snRNA expression patterns in platelets may be used for the diagnosis, prognosis, or prediction of a disease or disorder associated with disordered coagulation, for example, patients that are at a higher risk for severe sepsis, organ failure, and death.