Abstract: The present invention describes methods, carriers, and vectors relating to nucleic acids for labelling an item, wherein each carrier comprises at least 2 nucleotide barcode nucleic acids, other than sample nucleic acid, for labelling, wherein each nucleotide barcode nucleic acid comprises a different minimal nucleotide barcode sequence with a length of at least 4 nucleotides, where at least two of said different nucleotide barcode nucleic acids have a minimal nucleotide barcode sequence of the same length, wherein the combination of these different nucleotide barcode nucleic acids generates a transferable molecular identification barcode, whereby each such transferable molecular identification barcode is different for each of the carriers in the collection.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods to reduce the length of a homonucleotide repeat sequence a target DNA sequence. This is done by using an oligonucleotide primer which extends in the unaltered repeat of identical nucleotides of the target polynucleotide, the oligonucleotide primer comprises at the at the 5? side a sequence which hybridizes with the sequence preceding the targeted sequence repeat, but the oligonucleotide primer is not 100% complementary with the sequence repeat in the target sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods to reduce the length of a homonucleotide repeat sequence a target DNA sequence. This is done by using an oligonucleotide primer which extends in the unaltered repeat of identical nucleotides of the target polynucleotide, the oligonucleotide primer comprises at the at the 5? side a sequence which hybridizes with the sequence preceding the targeted sequence repeat, but the oligonucleotide primer is not 100% complementary with the sequence repeat in the target sequence.

Abstract: The invention discloses methods for introducing a sample specific DNA tag into a plurality of DNA fragments from a plurality of samples. For each of the samples, the method involves (1) amplifying DNA fragments in a first multiplex or multiplex-like PCR reaction using amplicon specific forward and reverse primers. Each forward amplicon specific primer including a first adaptor sequence and each reverse amplicon specific primer including a second adaptor. The first adaptor sequence is identical in all forward primers for each of the samples. The second adaptor sequence is identical in all reverse primers for each of the samples, and (2) further amplifying the amplified nucleic acids obtained using one set of forward and reverse sample specific primers which are directed against the first and second adaptor sequences. One or both of the sample specific primers includes a DNA sequence which differs for each of the samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides tools and methods for use in genetic tests involving high performant sequencing techniques. More particularly, the invention provides a robust multiplex PCR method wherein the respective primers for amplifying the different amplicons are physically isolated from one another. The invention further provides quality control methods allowing a stringent monitoring of genetic tests carried out according to the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assay method allowing the quantification of the copy number of a repeated nucleic acid sequence in a genetic sample. Typically such sample comprises the genome of a microbial, plan, animal or human subject. Furthermore, the invention provides a particular example wherein the assay is used to determine the susceptibility to disease of a subject. Such information can be used in selecting the optimal treatment for a particular diseased subject.