Title:The MAP2K2 Gene as Potential Diagnostic Marker in Monitoring
Adalimumab Therapy of Psoriatic Arthritis
Volume: 24
Issue: 2
Author(s): Agata Krawczyk, Barbara Strzałka-Mrozik*, Karol Juszczyk, Magdalena Kimsa-Dudek, Dominika Wcisło-Dziadecka and Joanna Gola
Affiliation:
- Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in
Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, Sosnowiec, Poland
Keywords:
MAPK, MAPK2, gene expression, psoriatic arthritis, adalimumab, anti-TNF.
Abstract:
Background: MAP kinases are some of the cascades that are specialized in the cell’s
response to external stimuli. Their impaired functioning can be observed during the course of psoriatic
arthritis. Currently, the best-known class of biological drugs is the inhibitors of the proinflammatory
cytokine TNF-α, including adalimumab.
Objective: The aim of this study was to assess changes in the expression of MAP kinase genes in
patients with psoriatic arthritis treated with adalimumab, as well as to determine which of the analyzed
transcripts could be used as a diagnostic or therapeutic target.
Methods: An analysis was performed on the total RNA extracted from PBMCs of patients with
psoriatic arthritis before and after three months of adalimumab therapy as well as from a control
group. Changes in the expression of the mitogen-activated protein kinase genes were assessed
using the HG-U133A 2.0 oligonucleotide microarray method, while the obtained results were validated
using the real-time RT-qPCR method.
Results: Using the oligonucleotide microarray method, 14 genes coded for proteins from the
MAPK group were identified with at least a two-fold change of expression in the control group
and during adalimumab therapy. Validation of the results confirmed a statistically significant decrease
in the transcriptional activity of the MAP2K2 gene in the group of patients three months
after the administration of adalimumab relative to the control group.
Conclusion: Adalimumab therapy alters the expression of MAPK-coding genes. The assessment
of the number of MAP2K2 mRNA molecules can potentially be used in diagnostic analyses or in
monitoring adalimumab therapy.