131: Gene expression and prediction of early cardiac allograft rejection: Discovery of a gene-based corticosteroid efficacy measure

Purpose: A RT-PCR based 20-gene assay developed for establishing the absence of current acute cellular rejection (ACR) was recently shown to predict future rejection early post transplant. The primary determinant of this discrimination was differential expression of 2 corticosteroid responsive genes, IL1R2 and FLT3. We have expanded these observations by analyzing 55 genes regulated by corticosteroids or immune genes that may influence corticosteroid responsiveness.