Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of human genetics. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and materials used to isolate and detect a human prostate cancer predisposing gene (HPC2), some alleles of which cause susceptibility to cancer, in particular prostate cancer. More specifically, the present invention relates to germline mutations in the HPC2 gene and their use in the diagnosis of predisposition to prostate cancer. The invention also relates to presymptomatic therapy of individuals who carry deleterious alleles of the HPC2 gene. The invention further relates to somatic mutations in the HPC2 gene in human prostate cancer and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human prostate cancer. Additionally, the invention relates to somatic mutations in the HPC2 gene in other human cancers and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the selective oxidation of primary alcohols of oligosaccharides to form the corresponding carboxylic acid derivatives of the alcohols using catalytic amounts of a di-tertiary-alkyl nitroxyl free radical, characterized in that 1,3-dibromo-5,5-dimethylhydantoin or 1,3-dichoro-5,5-dimethylbydantoin is used as oxidant and the reaction is performed in neutral to basic conditions at a pH<10. The process of the invention is useful for the production of (partially protected) oligosaccharides comprising carboxylate groups, both intermediates and end products.