Abstract: A method is described for the detection of the degree of methylation of a specific cytosine in the sequence context 5′-CpG-3′ of a genomic DNA sample. In the first step, the genomic DNA is chemically treated in such a way that the cytosine bases are converted to uracil, but not the 5-methylcytosine bases. Then segments of the genomic DNA which contain the said specific cytosine are amplified, whereby the amplified products are given a detectable label and in the following steps the extent of hybridization of the amplified products on two classes of oligonucleotides is determined by detection of the label of the amplified products, and a conclusion is made on the extent of methylation of said specific cytosine in the genomic DNA sample from the ratio of the labels detected on the two classes of oligonucleotides as a consequence of the hybridization.

Abstract: The method relates to the field of molecular biology and cell biology. More specifically it is concerned with monitoring a cell's transition from one state into another with the use of a genome based technology. The method is based on a sufficient analysis of methylation patterns according to said cell states. In addition it includes the actual transition of said cell itself. This is done by exposing a cell to conditions expected to convert it from one state to another.

Abstract: A method for the analysis of the methylation of cytosine bases in genomic DNA samples, comprising the following steps: (a) the genomic DNA is chemically treated in such a manner that cytosine is converted into uracil or a similar base regarding the base pairing behaviour in the DNA duplex, 5 methylcytosine however remains unchanged; (b) the chemically treated DNA is amplified using of at least one species of oligonucleotide (type A) as a primer in a polymerase reaction; (c) the amplificate is left in solution with one or more species of fluorophore labelled nucleotides and one or more species of oligonucleotide (type B), wherein the type B oligonucleotide hybridises under appropriate conditions with its 3′ end directly on or up to 10 bases from the position to be examined, and wherein said type B oligonucleotide is at least partly nuclease resistant; (d) the hybridised oligonucleotide (type B) is extended by means of a polymerase by at least one nucleotide, whereby the extension is dependent upon the me

Abstract: A method is described for the detection of 5-methylcytosine in genomic DNA samples. First, a genomic DNA from a DNA sample is chemically converted with a reagent, whereby 5-methylcytosine and cytosine react differently. Then the pretreated DNA is amplified with the use of a polymerase with primers of different sequence. In the next step, the amplified genomic DNA is hybridized to an oligonucleotide array and PCR products are obtained, which must be provided with a label. Alternatively, the PCR products can be extended in a primer extension reaction, wherein the extension products are also provided with a label.

Abstract: The Invention discloses a method for the analysis of the methylation of specific cytosine bases in genomic DNA samples, characterised by the fact that the following steps are implemented: (a) the genomic DNA is chemically treated in such a manner that cytosine is converted into uracil or a similar acting base regarding the base pairing behaviour in the DNA duplex, 5 methylcytosine however remains basically unmodified; (b) the chemically treated DNA is amplified using at least one oligonucleotide (type A) as primer in a polymerase reaction, whereby the two strands of the polymerase reaction product are manufactured in unequal quantities; (c) the amplificate is hybridised with one or more pairs of oligonucleotides (type B), which hybridise to the positions which are to be examined regarding their methylation status in the genomic DNA sample whereby one oligonucleotide of each pair hybridises preferentially in each case if in the genomic DNA sample the position was methylated, while the other oligonucleotide of

Abstract: The present invention relates to chemically modified genomic sequences, to oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomers for detecting the cytosine methylation state of genomic DNA, as well as to a method for ascertaining genetic and/or epigenetic parameters of genes for use in the characterisation, classification, differentiation, grading, staging, treatment and/or diagnosis of astrocytomas, or the predisposition to astrocytomas.

Abstract: A sample holder is described, which is loaded with metal or glass slides. This arrangement serves for the analysis of DNA arrays in the MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer.

Abstract: A method is described for the analysis of cytosine methylation patterns in genomic DNA samples. In the first method step, the genomic DNA is isolated from cells or other accompanying materials and bound essentially irreversibly to a surface. Then the DNA bound to the surface is treated, preferably with a bisulfite, in such a way that cytosine is converted into a base that is different in its base pairing behavior in the DNA duplex, while 5-methylcytosine remains unchanged. Then the reagents that were used are removed in a washing step. Finally, selected segments of the immobilized DNA are amplified in a polymerase reaction and the amplified products are investigated with respect to their sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to the chemically modified genomic sequence of the CD24 gene, to oligonucleotides oriented against the sequence and/or PNA oligomers for detecting the cytosine methylation status of the CD24 gene and to a method for determining genetic and/or epigenetic parameters of the CD24 gene.

Abstract: Chemically modified genomic sequences of genes associated with DNA repair, to oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomers for detecting the cytosine methylation state of genes associated with DNA repair which are directed against the sequence are disclosed. In addition, a method for ascertaining genetic and/or epigenetic parameters of genes associated with DNA repair is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the chemically modified genomic sequence of the Cdk4 gene, to oligonucleotides and/or PNA oligomers for detecting the cytosine methylation condition of the Cdk4 gene and to a method for determining genetic and/or epigenetic parameters of the Cdk4 gene.

Abstract: A method is described for the amplification of nucleic acids, in which the segments to be amplified are first hybridized with at least two primer oligonucleotides that have two domains, wherein the sequence-specific domain found at the 3-end hybridizes to the segment to be amplified, while the generic domain found at the 5-end does not hybridize. Then an amplification reaction is conducted by means of a polymerase and subsequently a labeled primer oligonucleotide, which binds to the generic domain of the first primer, is hybridized to the amplificate which is formed. In the last step, the sequence of the amplificate is investigated.

Abstract: Chemically modified genomic sequences of genes associated with metabolism, to oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomers for detecting the cytosine methylation state of genes associated with metabolism which are directed against the sequence are disclosed. In addition, a method for ascertaining genetic and/or epigenetic parameters of genes associated with metabolism is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for toxicological diagnosis. A DNA sample is taken from an organism or a cell culture, which has previously been subjected to a specific substance that is to be investigated for its toxicological effect. The DNA contained in this sample is chemically pretreated and the base sequence of a part of the modified DNA is determined. A methylation state characteristic for the sample or a characteristic methylation pattern is concluded from this. The effect of a substance on the organism or the cell culture is concluded by comparison with data of the methylation states of other samples and/or compared with other substances from a toxicological point of view.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the chemically modified genomic sequences of genes associated with tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes, to oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomers for detecting the cytosine methylation state of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes which are directed against the sequence, as well as to a method for ascertaining genetic and/or epigenetic parameters of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the chemically modified genomic sequence of the human C-mos gene, to oligonucleotides and/or PNA oligomers directed against the sequence for detecting the cytosine methylation condition of the human C-mos gene and to a method for determining genetic and/or epigenetic parameters of the human C-mos gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the chemically modified genomic sequences of genes associated with cell cycle, to oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomers for detecting the cytosine methylation state of genes associated with cell cycle which are directed against the sequence, as well as to a method for ascertaining genetic and/or epigenetic parameters of genes associated with cell cycle.

Abstract: This invention is related to methods, systems and computer program products for determining the biological effect and/or activity of drugs, chemical substances and/or pharmaceutical compositions using their effect on DNA-methylation as a marker for their biological effect(s). The invention is further related to the use of the inventive methods, systems and computer program products in obtaining new biologically active compounds which can be used as so-called “lead”-compounds for new and effective medicaments and treatment strategies of, in particular, human diseases.

Abstract: A method is described for the analysis of nucleic acid sequences, wherein the following steps are conducted:

Abstract: The present invention relates to the chemically modified genomic sequences of genes associated with pharmacogenomics, to oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomers for detecting the cytosine methylation state of genes associated with pharmacogenomics which are directed against the sequence, as well as to a method for ascertaining genetic and/or epigenetic parameters of genes associated with pharmacogenomics.