RNA Polymerase III Antibodies (RNA Polymerase 3)

Immunology

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Description

RNA polymerase III transcribes genes that encode short structural or catalytic RNAs. It is involved in the regulation of cell growth and the cell cycle [1]. Antibodies to RNA polymerase III are seen in up to 23% of patients with systemic sclerosis [2,3]. Patients with systemic sclerosis and positive RNA polymerase antibodies may be seronegative for Scl-70 and centromere autoantibodies that are typically associated with the condition [2]. It has been shown that patients with RNA polymerase antibodies have increased risk of developing diffuse cutaneous skin involvement and renal disease [2,4]. Scleroderma renal crisis occurs in approximately 10% of systemic sclerosis patients. It rarely presents without sclerotic skin disease, however the presence of RNA polymerase II antibodies can be useful in determining if renal disease is secondary to scleroderma renal crisis in the absence of skin thickening [4].

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Indications

For assessing patients with systemic sclerosis . Use in conjunction with Scl70 antibodies and centromere antibodies.

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Sample Type

2mL Serum ( Gel 5mL Yellow tube ). Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

Normal range = <7 U/mL.

Reference range established by manufacturer and verified in house.

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Turnaround Time

Within 5 days

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Testing Frequency

Weekly

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References

Laura Schramm and Nouria Hernandez. Recruitment of RNA polymerase III to its target promoters. Genesdev. 2002, 16:2593-2620. [Ref 1].
Koenig M, Dieude M and Senecal, JL. Predictive value of antinuclear antibodies: The lessons of the systemic sclerosis autoantibodies. Autoimmun Rev, 2008;7:588-593. [Ref 2].
Kuwana M, Kimura K and Kawakami Y. Identification of an immunodominant epitope on RNA polymerase III recognized by systemic sclerosis sera: application to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Arthritis Rheum. 2002, 46:2742-2747 [Ref 3].
Bhavsar SV and Carmona R. Anti-RNA polymerase III antibodies in the diagnosis of scleroderma renal crisis in the absence of skin disease. J Clin Rheumatol. 2014, 20:379-382. [Ref 4].

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See Also

ANA
ENA
ENA Types

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