Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide methods, nucleic acids and kits for detecting, or for detecting and distinguishing between or among liver cell proliferative disorders or for detecting, or for detecting and distinguishing between or among colorectal cell proliferative disorders. Particular aspects disclose and provide genomic sequences the methylation patterns of which have substantial utility for the improved detection of and differentiation between said class of disorders, thereby enabling the improved diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the quantification of methylated cytosines in DNA. In the first step of the invention unmethylated cytosines in the DNA to be analysed are chemically converted into uracil while 5-methylcytosines remain unchanged. In a second step the converted DNA is amplified methylation specifically in a real time PCR using a methylation specific probe. Finally the amount of uniformly methylated DNA is calculated by combining criteria derived from the shape of the real time curve and from the signal intensity. The method is preferably used for diagnosis and/or prognosis of adverse events for individuals, for distinguishing cell types and tissues, or for investigating cell differentiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified and genomic sequences, to oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomers for detecting the cytosine methylation state of genomic DNA, as well as to a method for predicting the disease free survival and/or response of a subject with a cell proliferative disorder of the breast tissues, to endocrine treatment.

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 characterisation, classification, differentiation, diagnosis and therapy of prostate lesions.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, nucleic acids and kits for detecting, or for detecting and distinguishing between or among colorectal cell proliferative disorders. The invention discloses genomic sequences the methylation patterns of which have utility for the improved detection of and differentiation between said class of disorders, thereby enabling the improved diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, nucleic acids and kits for detecting, or for detecting and distinguishing between or among liver cell proliferative disorders or for detecting, or for detecting and distinguishing between or among colorectal cell proliferative disorders. The invention discloses genomic sequences the methylation patterns of which have utility for the improved detection of and differentiation between said class of disorders, thereby enabling the improved diagnosis and treatment of patients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified and genomic sequences, to oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomers for detecting the cytosine methylation state of genomic DNA, as well as to a method for predicting the response of a subject with a cell proliferative disorder of the breast tissues, to endocrine treatment.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide compositions and methods for prognosis of, and/or predicting the estrogen treatment outcome of breast cell proliferative disorder patients, and in particular of patients with breast carcinoma. In preferred embodiments, this is achieved, at least in part, by determining the expression level of PITX2, and/or the genetic or the epigenetic modifications of the genomic DNA associated with the gene PITX2. Additional aspects of the invention provide novel sequences, oligomers (e.g., oligonucleotides or peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-oligomers), and antibodies, which have substantial utility in the described inventive methods and compositions.

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 relates to chemically modified genomic sequences, oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomers for detecting the cytosine methylation state of genomic DNA, as well as to methods for ascertaining genetic and/or epigenetic parameters of genes for use in the characterisation, grading, staging, and/or diagnosis of colon cancer, or the predisposition to colon cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to modified and 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 differentiation, diagnosis, treatment and/or monitoring of hematopoietic cell proliferative disorders, or the predisposition to hematopoietic cell proliferative disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the chemically modified nucleic acid sequences of genomic DNA, to oligonucleotides and/or PNA-oligomers for detecting the cytosine methylation state of genomnic DNA, as well as to a method for ascertaining genetic and/or epigenetic parameters of genes for the characterizing, classifying and/or differentiating of renal and prostate carcinomas.

Abstract: A method for selecting epigenetic features includes receiving an epigenetic feature data set for a plurality of epigenetic features of interest. The epigenetic feature data set is grouped in disjunct classes of interest. Epigenetic features of interest and/or combinations of epigenetic features of interest are selected that are relevant for epigenetically-based prediction based on corresponding epigenetic feature data. A new set of epigenetic features of interest is defined based on the relevant epigenetic features of interest and/or combinations of epigenetic features of interest.

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 characterisation, classification, differentiation, diagnosis and therapy of prostate lesions.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and computer program products for epigenetic feature selection. The invention enables the selection of relevant epigenetic features prior to further data analysis. The invention is preferably used for interpretation of large scale DNA methylation analysis data.