Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the assessment of risk of developing lung cancer in smokers and non-smokers using analysis of genetic polymorphisms. The present invention also relates to the use of genetic polymorphisms in assessing a subject's risk of developing lung cancer. Nucleotide probes and primers, kits, and microarrays suitable for such assessment are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for rapid identification and quantitation of bacteria by amplification of a segment of bacterial nucleic acid followed by analysis by mass spectrometry. The compositions provide for characterization of the molecular masses and base compositions of bacterial nucleic acids which are used to rapidly identify bacteria.

Abstract: Allelic variations in the genes PLEKHA1 and LOC387715 are identified herein as risk factor for Age Related Maculopathy (ARM). A method is therefore provided for identifying a risk of development of ARM in an individual that comprises identification of allelic variations in PLEKHA1 and/or LOC387715. Related apparatus, such as an array, are identified as being useful in implementing those methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides diagnostic markers of neuropsychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder or serious mood disorders including bipolar disorder and recurrent unipolar disorder) for use in diagnosis, drug screening, therapy monitoring, research and therapeutic applications. In particular, the present invention provides SLC18A1 and TAAR2, and mutations therein, as biomarkers of neuropsychiatric disorders.

Abstract: Methods and kits for predicting the efficacy of antifolate (e.g., methotrexate) treatment of rheumatoid arthritis by detecting polymorphisms, particularly single nucleotide polymorphisms, in adenosine pathway genes.

Abstract: The invention provides computer systems, computer program products and methods for in silico array-based methods for determining the relative amount of biological molecules (e.g., nucleic acid sequences) in two or more samples. The invention also provides novel arrays comprising immobilized calibration molecules (e.g., nucleic acids) for normalizing the results of array-based binding assays (e.g., hybridization reactions).

Abstract: Methods and compositions relate to genetic markers of psychotic disorders, e.g., schizophrenia (SZ), are provided. For example, in certain aspects methods for determinations of a SULT4A1-1 haplotype are described. Furthermore, the invention provides methods and compositions involving treatment of psychotic disorders using the haplotype status.

Abstract: Methods and compositions that relate to genetic markers of psychotic disorders, e.g., schizophrenia (SZ), are provided. For example, in certain aspects methods for determinations of a SULT4A1-1 haplotype are described. Furthermore, the invention provides methods and compositions involving treatment of psychotic disorders using the haplotype status.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relate to genetic markers of psychotic disorders, e.g., schizophrenia (SZ), are provided. For example, in certain aspects methods for determinations of a SULT4A1-1 haplotype are described. Furthermore, the invention provides methods and compositions involving treatment of psychotic disorders using the haplotype status.

Abstract: Methods and compositions relate to genetic markers of psychotic disorders, e.g., schizophrenia (SZ), are provided. For example, in certain aspects methods for determinations of a SULT4A1-1 haplotype are described. Furthermore, the invention provides methods and compositions involving treatment of psychotic disorders using the haplotype status.

Abstract: We analyzed bone marrow from 67 patients from a phase 2 study of farnesyltransferase inhibition with tipifarnib (R115777, ZARNESTRA®), in older adults with previously untreated, poor-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) for N-Ras mutations, global gene expression, and/or quantitative PCR (qPCR) of specific genes. Microarray profiling identified a two-gene expression ratio (RASGRP1:APTX) which provided the greatest accuracy for predicting response to tipifarnib. We demonstrated that this classifier could predict response to tipifarnib in an independent set of 54 samples from relapsed or refractory AML, with a NPV and PPV of 92% and 28%, respectively (odds ratio of 4.4). Therefore, in both newly diagnosed and relapsed or refractory AML, this classifier improves the overall response rate by approximately 50% while maintaining a high NPV, and significantly improves patient overall survival.

Abstract: The present invention is a novel method of determining the average DNA methylation density of a locus of interest within a population of DNA fragments.

Abstract: The disclosure provides methods and compositions useful for identifying a subject's predisposition to lithium treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting the presence of methylation at a locus within a population of nucleic acids.

Abstract: Genes, SNP markers and haplotypes of susceptibility or predisposition to T2D and subdiagnosis of T2D and related medical conditions are disclosed. Methods for diagnosis, prediction of clinical course and efficacy of treatments for T2D, obesity and related phenotypes using polymorphisms in the risk genes are also disclosed. The genes, gene products and agents of the invention are also useful for monitoring the effectiveness of prevention and treatment of T2D and related traits. Kits are also provided for the diagnosis, selecting treatment and assessing prognosis of T2D. Novel methods for prevention and treatment of metabolic diseases such as T2D based on the disclosed T2D genes, polypeptides and related pathways are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the predisposition of an individual to a skin condition comprising identifying the profilaggrin alleles present in the genome of an ex vivo sample taken from the individual. Skin conditions include the ability of an individual to produce Natural Moisturising Factors (NMF), dry skin and/or predisposition to detergent-induced erythema. Typically profilaggrin alleles are identified by determining the number of encoded filaggrin repeats. Methods of the invention are particularly useful for grouping individuals for the purposes of participation in clinical trials or for matching an individual to a cosmetic preparation.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for rapid, sensitive, and highly specific nucleic acid-based (e.g., DNA based) detection of a BK virus in a sample. In general, the methods involve detecting a target nucleic acid having a target sequence of a conserved region of BK viral genomes. The invention also features compositions, including primers, probes, and kits, for use in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention includes method of determining if a subject is at risk for developing schizophrenia (SZ), schizotypal personality disorder (SPD), or schizoaffective disorder (SD).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of identifying an increase in risk for type II Diabetes mellitus, venous thrombosis, or pulmonary embolism in a subject, wherein the presence of an amino acid exchange at position 286 from valine (Val) to alanine (Ala) in the EDG5 protein in a biological sample taken from the subject.

Abstract: The invention provides DNA compositions that relate to transgenic insect resistant maize plants. Also provided are assays for detecting the presence of the maize DAS-59122-7 event based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct inserted into the maize genome and the DNA sequences flanking the insertion site. Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are provided.