Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for separation of biomolecules via two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, methods and apparatus for immunoblotting separated biomolecules, and methods for the use of biomolecules processed via the methods and apparatus of the present invention, including use in a clinical setting. The methods and apparatus for separation of biomolecules via two-dimensional gel comprises vertical agarose gel electrophoresis in the first dimension, and the electrophoresis of a novel non-denaturing 3-35% concave gradient polyacrylamide gel in the second dimension. This novel gel can be cast in a modified gel caster that can facilitate the pouring of multiple gels simultaneously. The methods and apparatus for immunblotting are useful with any type of immunoblotting, including Western blot, Northern blot, and Southern blot analyses.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method of determining a statin dosage for an individual in need of treatment with a statin, comprising determining a SLCO1B1 genotype from a nucleic acid sample of the individual, said genotype comprising the presence or absence of the SLCO1B1-056 polymorphism, and determining an ApoE genotype or phenotype identifying an ApoE polymorphism selected from the group consisting of ApoE2, ApoE3, ApoE4, and any combination thereof, wherein the combination of a SLCO1B1 genotype identifying the presence of the SLCO1B1-056 C polymorphism and the ApoE genotype or phenotype identifying one of the ApoE3/4 or ApoE4/4 genotypes indicates the statin dosage.

Abstract: Disclosed is method for assessing risk for the development of cardiovascular disease in an individual. The method includes isolating nucleic acid from the individual, analyzing the nucleic acid for the presence of the TaqIB polymorphism of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein gene, determining from the analysis whether the individual is homozygous for the TaqIB polymorphism; is heterozygous for the TaqIB polymorphism; or does not possess the TaqIB polymorphism. Risk for the development of cardiovascular disease is assessed in the individual on the basis of these determinations. Additional determinations of one or more known factors of cardiovascular disease risk may also be assessed. Methods for analysis of genomic DNA for the presence of the TaqIB polymorphism are provided. Also disclosed is a kit for assessing risk for the development of cardiovascular disease in an individual.