Can the marsh score of coeliac patients be accurately predicted using mathematical modelling of gene expression data from a novel, coeliac-specific PCR-array?

Abstract

Aims: To date, there is currently no PCR-based array that is specifically focused on the immune pathways and processes of Coeliac Disease (CD). Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop such an array and use mathematical and statistical modelling to generate a set of predictive equations to attempt to diagnose the Marsh score of CD patients using only gene expression data. Methods: This study used bioinformatic analysis to design a CD specific PCR-based array, this array was then used to test cDNA isolated from patients with untreated CD, treated CD and healthy controls. This expression data was then used to design a set of predictive algorithms to attempt to diagnose patient Marsh score on the basis of gene expression data alone.