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 invention describes a method for the quantitative sequencing of nucleic acids treated with bisulfite. The invention particularly describes a method for the determination of the degree of methylation of a cytosine in the base sequence 5?-CG-3?, thus in a so-called CpG position, if the genomic sequence of the investigated DNA region is known. The invention makes possible the validation of sequence information in the sequencing of DNA treated with bisulfite. It is particularly described how the data obtained with conventional sequencing methods are first standardized with respect to their signal intensity, how the conversion rate of cytosine to uracil after bisulfite treatment is determined from these data, and how a correction factor can be determined with the help of this conversion rate, and this factor produces an essentially improved estimation of the degree of methylation actually present.

Abstract: Particular aspects relate to a method for determining the methylation pattern of a polynucleic acid, comprising: a) preparing a solution comprising a mixture of fragments of the polynucleic acid; b) coupling the fragments with a substance being detectable with a detection method; c) contacting a solution comprising the fragments of b) with a DNA microarray having a plurality of different immobilized oligonucleotides, each comprising at least one methylation site, at respectively assigned different locations thereon, the contacting under conditions affording hybridization of fragments with correlated immobilized oligonucleotides under defined stringency, and wherein the immobilized oligonucleotides have a length of less than 200 bases; d) optionally performing a washing step; and e) detecting, using the physical detection method, such immobilized nucleic acids to which solution fragments are hybridized and/or to which solution fragments are not hybridized.

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: Particular aspects relate to a method for determining the methylation pattern of a polynucleic acid, comprising: a) preparing a solution comprising a mixture of fragments of the polynucleic acid; b) coupling the fragments with a substance being detectable with a detection method; c) contacting a solution comprising the fragments of b) with a DNA microarray having a plurality of different immobilized oligonucleotides, each comprising at least one methylation site, at respectively assigned different locations thereon, the contacting under conditions affording hybridization of fragments with correlated immobilized oligonucleotides under defined stringency, and wherein the immobilized oligonucleotides have a length of less than 200 bases; d) optionally performing a a washing step; and e) detecting, using the physical detection method, such immobilized nucleic acids to which solution fragments are hybridized and/or to which solution fragments are not hybridized.

Abstract: Chemically modified nucleic acid sequences of genomic DNA, oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomers for detecting the cytosine methylation state of genomic DNA. In addition, a method for ascertaining genetic and/or epigenetic parameters of genes for the characterization, classification, differentiation, grading, staging, treatment and diagnosis of oligodendrogliomas, astrocytomas and oligoastrocytomas.

Abstract: Chemically modified genomic sequences, oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomers for detecting the cytosine methylation state of genomic DNA. In addition, a method for ascertaining genetic and/or epigenetic parameters of genes for use in the characterization, classificaiton, differrentiation, grading, staging, treatment and/or diagnosis of astrocytomas, or the predisposition to astrocytomas.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for amplifying nucleic acids, such as DNA with means of an enzymatic amplification step, such as a polymerase chain reaction, specified for template nucleic acids of low complexity, e.g. pre-treated DNA, like but not limited to DNA pre-treated with bisulfite is disclosed. The invention is based on the use of specific oligo-nucleotide primer molecules to solely amplify specific pieces of DNA. It is disclosed how to optimize the primer design for a PCR if the template DNA is of low complexity.

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

Abstract: The invention describes a set of oligonucleotides as probes for the detection of relevant variations of DNA methylation in a target group of genes, the use thereof for the detection of gene variants with respect to DNA methylation, a medical device which uses a set of oligonucleotides, a method for investigating the methylation state of an individual as well as a method for creating a model for evaluating the probability of occurrence of a health problem of an individual.

Abstract: Particular aspects relate to a method for determining the methylation pattern of a polynucleic acid, comprising: a) preparing a solution comprising a mixture of fragments of the polynucleic acid; b) coupling the fragments with a substance being detectable with a detection method; c) contacting a solution comprising the fragments of b) with a DNA microarray having a plurality of different immobilized oligonucleotides, each comprising at least one methylation site, at respectively assigned different locations thereon, the contacing under conditions affording hybridization of fragments with correlated immobilized oligonucleotides under defined stringency, and wherein the immobilized oligonucleotides have a length of less than 200 bases; d) optionally performing a a washing step; and e) detecting, using the physical detection method, such immobilized nucleic acids to which solution fragments are hybridized and/or to which solution fragments are not hybridized.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for guiding selection of a therapeutic treatment regimen or a preventive therapeutic treatment regimen are disclosed. The method comprises (A) providing to a computing device comprising a first knowledge base comprising information about a plurality of different methylation statuses at selected sites of the DNA in cells with a known disease or medical condition and/or healthy cells, a second knowledge base comprising a plurality of expert rules for evaluating and selecting a type of disease or medical condition based on the methylation status at selected sites of the DNA of a patient, (B) generating in said computing device a ranked listing of diseases or medical conditions based on the information about the methylation status at selected sites of the DNA of the patient, the first knowledge base and the second knowledge base.

Abstract: The disclosed invention provides methods and computer program products for the improved verification and controlling of assays for the analysis of nucleic acid variations by means of statistical process control. The invention is characterised in that variables of each experiment are monitored by measuring deviations of said variables from a reference data set and wherein said experiments or batches thereof are indicated as unsuitable for further interpretation if they exceed predetermined limits.

Abstract: The present invention describes a set of oligomer probes (oligonucleotides and/or PNA oligomers), which serve for the detection of the cytosine methylation state in nucleic acids. These probes are particularly suitable for the diagnosis of existing diseases by analysis of a set of genetic and/or epigenetic parameters.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products for guiding selection of a therapeutic treatment regimen or a preventive therapeutic treatment regimen are disclosed. The method comprises (A) providing to a computing device comprising a first knowledge base comprising information about a plurality of different methylation statuses at selected sites of the DNA in cells with a known disease or medical condition and/or healthy cells, a second knowledge base comprising a plurality of expert rules for evaluating and selecting a type of disease or medical condition based on the methylation status at selected sites of the DNA of a patient, (B) generating in said computing device a ranked listing of diseases or medical conditions based on the information about the methylation status at selected sites of the DNA of the patient, the first knowledge base and the second knowledge base.

Abstract: A set of oligonucleotides or PNA oligomers and a method which is suitable for the detection of cytosine methylations and SNPs in genomic DNA samples is described.

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 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: 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.