Abstract: The present invention provides methods for preparing a stool sample in order to screen for the presence of indicators of a disease, for example a subpopulation of cancerous or precancerous cells. The methods take advantage of the recognition that cellular debris from cancerous and precancerous cells is deposited onto only a longitudinal stripe of stool as the stool is forming in the colon. Accordingly, methods of the invention comprise obtaining a representative sample, such as a circumferential or cross-sectional sample of stool in order to ensure that any disease indicator, such as cellular debris that is shed by colonic cells, is obtained in the sample.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting loss of heterozygosity in a nucleic acid sample. These methods are particularly useful for identifying individuals with gene mutations indicative of early colorectal cancer.

Abstract: Methods are provided for high-throughput screening for the presence of genetic alterations and disease-causing microorganisms in a biological sample. These methods are particularly useful for identifying individuals with gene mutations indicative of early colorectal cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides primers that allow simultaneous amplification of multiple DNA target sequences present in a DNA sample. Further provided are methods for detecting multiple defined target DNA sequences in a DNA sample. Methods for high-throughput genetic screening are also provided. In yet another aspect, the present invention provides single-stranded oligonucleotide DNA primers for amplification of a target DNA sequence in a multiplex polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: A high-throughput method for screening nucleic acid samples to identify target sequences or one or more genetic alterations in target sequences present in the nucleic acid samples. Methods of identifying target nucleic acid sequences in patient samples, and of identifying randomly permuted alterations in nucleic acid sequences of interest are also included.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying genetic alterations in a target sequence present in a nucleic acid sample, comprising immobilizing samples on a support, contacting the samples simultaneously with different purine and pyrimidine containing polymers under conditions of hybridization, separating the hybridized polymers from the samples; and identifying the hybridized polymers to identify the genetic alteration(s). The present invention also provides methods for identifying target sequences present in a nucleic acid sample, comprising immobilizing nucleic acid samples on a support, contacting the samples simultaneously different purine and pyrimidine containing polymers under hybridization conditions, separating the polymers from the complementary target sequence(s), and identifying the hybridized polymers to identify the target sequence(s).

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for the detection of loss of genomic integrity characteristic of genomic instability. The methods are especially useful for detection of deletions of genomic DNA that occur in early stages of Cancer, especially colorectal cancer. Methods of the invention involve the detection in a biological sample of a nucleic acid fragment which includes both 3' and 5' DNA sequence which normally flank a region where a deletion is suspected. The assay is designed as disclosed herein such that there is only a small or negligible likelihood that the fragment will be present unless a deletion has occurred.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for screening for the presence of a subpopulation of cancerous or precancerous cells in a heterogeneous cellular sample, such as a stool sample. The methods take advantage of the recognition that cellular debris from cancerous and precancerous cells is deposited onto only a longitudinal stripe of stool as the stool is forming in the colon. Accordingly, methods of the invention comprise obtaining a representative sample, such as a cross-sectional sample of stool in order to ensure that any cellular debris that is shed by colonic cells is obtained in the sample.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying the presence, location and sequence of one or more genetic alterations in one or more DNA molecules. Further provided are methods for positional cloning of a gene of interest.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting the presence of mutant sequences in a subpopulation of gene sequences in a biological sample. These methods are particularly useful for identifying individuals with gene mutations indicative of early colorectal cancer.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to high-throughput screening methods to identify genetic alterations in DNA samples. A multiplicity of DNA samples are immobilized on a solid support and hybridized simultaneously with a mixture of oligonucleotides representing variant sequences. Hybridizing oligonucleotides are then eluted from each DNA sample individually and their sequence is determined. The methods of the present invention allow the identification of disease-causing mutations and polymorphisms in patients' DNA, as well as the identification of disease-causing microorganisms.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying the location, and determining the sequence of specific genetic alterations present in a gene of interest.