Abstract: The present invention refers to a method and a kit for diagnosing pediatric common acute leukemia by distinguishing between normal and common acute lymphoblastic leukemic (cALL) cells, wherein the method comprises the step of determining the gene expression of specific genes (markers) referring to this disease and the step of determining whether these genes are up-regulated or down-regulated. The method for determining the gene expression levels can apply hybridization techniques or PCR methods or combinations thereof. The present invention provides new gene markers, which have not been reported in context with cALL and are suitable for the diagnosis of this disease. In addition, the present invention refers to utilizing these targets for the development of targeted therapies employing RNA- and DNA-interference, antibodies, aptamers, anticalins and other small molecules.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method and a kit for diagnosing pediatric common acute leukemia by distinguishing between normal and common acute lymphoblastic leukemic (cALL) cells, wherein the method comprises the step of determining the gene expression of specific genes (markers) referring to this disease and the step of determining whether these genes are up-regulated or down-regulated. The method for determining the gene expression levels can apply hybridization techniques or PCR methods or combinations thereof. The present invention provides new gene markers, which have not been reported in context with cALL and are suitable for the diagnosis of this disease. In addition, the present invention refers to utilizing these targets for the development of targeted therapies employing RNA- and DNA-interference, antibodies, aptamers, anticalins and other small molecules.