Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining in a subject's biological sample the relative proportions of papillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC), clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), and chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (chRCC), an array comprising capture molecules capable of specifically binding to RCC signature genes or coding sequences thereof or products encoded thereby, and the use of RCC signature genes for classifying a subject into a renal cell carcinoma (RCC) risk group and/or for determining in a subject's biological sample the relative proportions of pRCC, ccRCC, and chRCC.

Abstract: A transgenic insect includes a genome which has at least one first exogenic DNA sequence, which is coded for a human membrane transporter protein. The expression of the first exogenic DNA sequence leads to a functional human membrane transporter protein in the transgenic insect.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diagnostic in vitro method for determining the activity of thiopurine S-methyltransferase (TPMT) in individuals to be examined, characterized in that the content of urothione and/or jukathione in body fluids is determined. Also disclosed is a diagnostic in vitro method for determining the TPMT activity in cellular extracts of test subjects of any origin, characterized in that molybdenum cofactor (Moco) and/or decomposition stages of Moco are used as substrates for the reaction and the formed quantity of jukathione and/or urothione is determined. Finally, a diagnostic in vitro method is disclosed, wherein urothione and/or jukathione serves as a biomarker for an increased susceptibility with regard to one or more particular diseases, which is determined in body fluids and/or cellular extracts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polymorphic TPMT polynucleotide. Moreover, the invention relates to genes or vectors comprising the polynucleotides of the invention and to a host cell genetically engineered with the polynucleotide or gene of the invention. Further, the invention relates to methods for producing molecular variant polypeptides or fragments thereof, methods for producing cells capable of expressing a molecular variant polypeptide and to a polypeptide or fragment thereof encoded by the polynucleotide or the gene of the invention or which is obtainable by the method or from the cells produced by the method of the invention. Furthermore, the invention relates to an antibody which binds specifically the polypeptide of the invention. Moreover, the invention relates to a transgenic non-human animal. The invention also relates to a solid support comprising one or a plurality of the above mentioned polynucleotides, genes, vectors, polypeptides, antibodies or host cells.