A MOLECULAR MARKER

The present invention relates generally to a molecular marker of the integri ty of the extracellular matrix in an animal including a human subject. More particularly, the present invention provides a molecular marker of cartilage integrity. The identification of the molecular marker in circulatory or tiss ue fluid is indicative of disrepair of the extracellular matrix and in particul ar cartilage such as caused or facilitated by trauma or a degenerative disease or other condition, for example, arthritis or autoimmunity. The molecular marke r is preferably in the form of a glycoprotein but the instant invention extend s to genetic sequences encoding the polypeptide portion of the glycoprotein. Expression analysis of such genetic sequences provides predictive utility in detecting normal or abnormal extracellular matrix development. The identification of the molecular marker of the present invention enables the development of a range of diagnostic and therapeutic agents for degeneration of extracellular matrix or the poor development of the matrix at the fetal a nd postnatal stages including testing for mutations in the gene sequence in hum an disease such as but not limited to cartilage disease or arthritis.. In a mos t preferred embodiment, the molecular marker is referred to herein as "WARP" f or von Willebrand Factor A-Related Protein. The corresponding genetic form of WARP is referred to herein as "WARP".