Abstract: The present invention provides a gene mapping method which involves analysis of a DNA sample from a test subject and from a control subject for the presence of an allelic form of a plurality of microsatellite genetic polymorphism marker, which markers are located at intervals of about 50 Kb to 150 Kb on the human genome, in order to identify regions of the genome associated with a characteristic of the test subjects relative to the control subjects, e.g., a region containing a pathogenic gene or a gene relating to human phenotypes with genetic factors. The invention also features genomic regions so identified that are associated with susceptibility or the presence of psoriasis vulgaris and with rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: It is intended to identify rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility genes by a highly efficient, low-cost mapping method using microsatellites. In the present invention, novel rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility genes, that is, TNXB, NOTCH4, RAB6A, MPRL48, UCP2, and UCP3 genes, in the human genomic DNA sequence were identified by conducting case-control association analysis on rheumatoid arthritis by use of microsatellite polymorphic markers assigned at approximately 100-kb intervals to narrow down candidate regions and then conducting association analysis and linkage analysis with SNP as a marker.

Abstract: The present inventors used microarrays to identify a novel gene from cDNA clones showing significantly different gene expression in normal tissues compared to psoriasis lesion tissues. This gene was named secretory Ly-6/uPAR-related protein-2 (SLURP-2). Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis using total RNA extract was used to compare SLURP-2 gene expression between psoriatic lesional skin, non-lesional skin, and normal skin, to indicate that the SLURP-2 gene is significantly upregulated in psoriasis lesions. Thus, SLURP-2 gene can be used as a diagnostic marker for inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis.

Abstract: By a detailed analysis of the sequences of the MHC S gene, SEEK1 gene, and HCR gene of Japanese patients with psoriasis and healthy individuals, it was demonstrated that some of the examined polymorphisms significantly correlate with psoriasis in the group of Japanese patients. Based on these correlations, it was demonstrated that psoriasis vulgaris can be detected by analyzing these gene polymorphisms in patients with psoriasis.

Abstract: In the detection of a genetic polymorphism using a mass spectrometer, a genomic DNA containing target polymorphism can be separated from a DNA sample and bound at the same time onto a platform by the following steps: binding an oligonucleotide that hybridizes with the genomic DNA containing the target polymorphism to the platform; and then applying the genomic DNA sample to the platform. Thus, a target polymorphism can be more efficiently detected. According to the method of the present invention, polymorphisms in a large number of specimens can be quickly and comprehensively detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gene mapping method which involves analysis of a DNA sample from a test subject and from a control subject for the presence of an allelic form of a plurality of microsatellite genetic polymorphism marker, which markers are located at intervals of about 50 Kb to 150 Kb on the human genome, in order to identify regions of the genome associated with a characteristic of the test subjects relative to the control subjects, e.g., a region containing a pathogenic gene or a gene relating to human phenotypes with genetic factors. The invention also features genomic regions so identified that are associated with susceptibility or the presence of psoriasis vulgaris and with rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: By a detailed analysis of the sequences of the MHC S gene, SEEK1 gene, and HCR gene of Japanese patients with psoriasis and healthy individuals, it was demonstrated that some of the examined polymorphisms significantly correlate with psoriasis in the group of Japanese patients. Based on these correlations, it was demonstrated that psoriasis vulgaris can be detected by analyzing these gene polymorphisms in patients with psoriasis.

Abstract: Novel polymorphic microsatellite markers in the human MHC class II region and methods for disease mapping and genotyping with said microsatellite markers are provided. Said microsatellite markers are useful in HLA-related research, such as genetic mapping of HLA class II associated diseases, transplantation matching, population genetics, and identification of recombination hot spots as well as linkage disequilibrium studies.