Abstract: The present disclosure provides biological markers which are molecular and cellular antecedents of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) flares. The present disclosure provides RNA and protein markers that can predict an RA flare one or two weeks prior to the flare. The present disclosure further provides blood circulating cells, particularly pre-inflammatory mesenchymal cells, which are cellular precursors and indicators of an impending RA flare. The present disclosure further provides methods, kits and markers for identification and monitoring of flares in RA patients and their application as markers and targets in and for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and conditions induced or related to rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: The present invention provides biological markers which are molecular and cellular antecedents of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) flares. The invention provides RNA and protein markers that can predict an RA flare one or two weeks prior to the flare. The invention further provides blood circulating cells, particularly pre-inflammatory mesenchymal cells, which are cellular precursors and indicators of an impending RA flare. The present invention further provides methods, kits and markers for identification and monitoring of flares in RA patients and their application as markers and targets in and for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and conditions induced or related to rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for isolation and characterization of nucleic acid, particularly RNA, from small volume and self-collected samples, including fingerstick blood samples, swabs and saliva samples. The RNA derived is intact and of sufficient quality and quantity for RNA analysis, longitudinal RNA sequencing and global transcriptomic profiling.