Research Scientist at Harvard University to Present at GTCbio's 2nd Rediscovering Biomarkers Conference on July 10-11
Mike Wang, Research Scientist at Harvard University to Present at GTCbio's 2nd Rediscovering Biomarkers Conference on July 10-11, 2008 in Boston, MA


/Biotechnology News Articles/ - MONROVIA, CA, April 20, 2008 - Dr. Mike Wang, Research Scientist at Harvard University will be presenting at GTCbio's 2nd Annual Rediscovering Biomarkers Conference on July 10-11, 2008 in Boston, MA. Dr. Wang will speak on "A Genome-Wide Expression Analysis in Blood Identifies Pre-Elafin (PI3) as a Biomarker in Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)."
The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is common, devastating clinical syndrome of acute lung injury caused by a variety of direct or indirect insults. Emerging viral diseases, such as the coronavirus (SARS) and the H5N1 avian influenza virus, have become important causes of ARDS in humans with the potential for pandemic spread. Dr. Wang and his colleagues have investigated genome-wide gene expression profiles in paired whole blood samples from ARDS patients during the acute-stage (within three days of diagnosis) and recovery-stage of ARDS (around ICU discharge). Among 126 differentially expressed genes, peptidase inhibitor 3 (PI3, encoding elafin, a potent neutrophil elastase inhibitor) had the largest fold-change (-3 fold-change) in expression, indicating down-regulation during the acute-stage of ARDS. Dr. Wang and his colleagues further examined plasma PI3 levels in ARDS patients and at-risk controls from the same cohort. There was a coincidence of the microarray findings of lower PI3 gene expression with the lower plasma PI3 during the acute-stage. The plasma PI3 levels were statistically significant different among pre-diagnosis, day of diagnosis, and post-diagnosis groups (ANOVA, p = 0.001), with a trend of decreasing from pre- to post-diagnosis group. The time course of plasma PI3 decrease is well correlated with the course of early ARDS development (Pearson correlation coefficient: -0.52, p = 0.0006). In addition, a non-synonymous polymorphism (T34P) is strongly associated with the risk of ARDS development. Considering PI3 can covalently binding to extracellular matrix in lung, circulating PI3 may provide a useful clinical marker for monitoring the early development of ARDS and may have implications for ARDS treatment.
The 2nd Annual Rediscovering Biomarkers Conference will exposes attendees to the latest advancements and developments in biomarkers and predictive medicine. Attendees will gain insight into discovery and development processes, hear about new biomarkers and upcoming trends in the industry, as well as the status of those in clinical trials. Delegates will also receive highly valuable information on tools for improving reimbursement strategies and the efficacy and validation of biomarkers.

For more information including a detailed agenda, exhibitor opportunities and registration information visit http://gtcbio.com/conferenceDetails.aspx?id=124

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