Abstract: The present application provides polynucleotides comprising 5?-tails with sequence segments useful for the detection of target nucleic acid sequences, and methods for their use in detecting target nucleic acids. The polynucleotides are used to amplify a subsequence of a target nucleic acid in the presence of one or more ribonucleotides. The ribonucleotides are incorporated into amplification products at regular intervals complementary to the 5?-tail sequence segments. Cleavage of amplification products at the bond immediately 3? to incorporated ribonucleotides produces detectably distinct fragments indicative of the presence or absence of a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: A method for the identification of DNA sequence elements in complex and highly variable sequences is described. The method consists of identifying a short sequence element of several DNA bases (2-6 bases) at a given position in the genome simultaneously on all parental alleles. The method allows differentiating mini-haplotypes on different alleles in one analysis. The method consists of carrying out an enzymatic primer extension reaction with a combination of extension primers (pool of primers) and analyzing the products by mass spectrometry. The pool of primers is assembled in such a way that the primer extension product allows unambiguous identification of both the primer of the pool that was extended and the base that was added. The method of great utility for DNA sequences harboring many SNP's close to each other with many possible haplotypes. Such sequences are known in the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC).

Abstract: A method for the identification of DNA sequence elements in complex and highly variable sequences is described. The method considist of identifying a short sequence element of several DNA bases (2-6 bases) at a given position in the genome simultaneously on all parental alleles. The method allows differentiating mini-haplotypes on different alleles in one analysis. The method consists of carrying out an enzymatic primer extension reaction with a combination of extension primers (pool of primers) and analyzing the products by mass spectrometry. The pool of primers is assembled in such a way that the primer extension product allows unambiguous identification of both the primer of the pool that was extended and the base that was added. The method of great utility for DNA sequences harbouring many SNP's close to each other with many possible haplotypes. Such sequences are known in the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC).

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of analyzing at least one specific molecule in a sample using a compound of formula (I?) wherein Z binds specifically to said at least one specific molecule, Y is independently a cleavable single bond, linker atom or group, and R is independently a substituent such as H, C1-20 hydrocarbonyl {e.g. C1-20 alkyl, C1-20 aryl) or substituted C1-20 hydrocarbonyl. Preferably, the method of the invention is carried out with mass spectroscopy in a spectrometer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of testing a subject thought to have or be predisposed to having asthma, allergy, atopic disease or atopic sensitization, which comprises the step of analyzing a biological sample from said subject for (i) detecting the presence of a mutation associated with the over-expression of the ORMDL3 gene, and/or (ii) analyzing the expression of the ORMDL3 gene; a use, for treating and/or preventing asthma, allergy, atopic disease or atopic sensitization in a subject, of a compound which specifically inhibits the expression of the ORMDL3 gene; and an in vitro method of selecting a compound, which can be useful for treating asthma, allergy, atopic disease or atopic sensitization, characterized in that said method comprises the steps of: (a) obtaining a cell expressing the ORMDL3 gene, (b) contacting said cell with at least one compound, (c) comparing the expression of the ORMDL3 gene in the cell between the steps a) and b), and (d) selecting the compound, which induces a lower le

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of testing a human thought to be predisposed to having lung cancer which comprises the step of analyzing a biological sample from said human for detecting the presence of a polymorphism on chromosome 15q25 associated with lung cancer.

Abstract: The present application provides polynucleotides comprising 5?-tails with sequence segments useful for the detection of target nucleic acid sequences, and methods for their use in detecting target nucleic acids. The polynucleotides are used to amplify a subsequence of a target nucleic acid in the presence of one or more ribonucleotides. The ribonucleotides are incorporated into amplification products at regular intervals complementary to the 5?-tail sequence segments. Cleavage of amplification products at the bond immediately 3? to incorporated ribonucleotides produces detectably distinct fragments indicative of the presence or absence of a target nucleic acid.

Abstract: A method for the identification of DNA sequence elements in complex and highly variable sequences is described. The method consists of identifying a short sequence element of several DNA bases (2-6 bases) at a given position in the genome simultaneously on all parental alleles. The method allows differentiating mini-haplotypes on different alleles in one analysis. The method consists of carrying out an enzymatic primer extension reaction with a combination of extension primers (pool of primers) and analysing the products by mass spectrometry. The pool of primers is assembled in such a way that the primer extension product allows unambiguous identification of both the primer of the pool that was extended and the base that was added. The method is of great utility for DNA sequences harbouring many SNPs close to each other with many possible haplotypes. Such sequences are known in the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC).

Abstract: The invention is drawn to a universal method for preparing DNA samples for genotyping of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), deletions and insertions by mass spectrometry. The invention relates to a method for genotyping that comprises three steps: a) reducing the complexity of the genome, b) generating allele specific products, c) analyzing the products by mass spectrometry, without purifying the products obtained in step b).

Abstract: A method is described for the analysis of nucleic acid sequences, wherein the following steps are conducted:

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the identification of the presence of a genetic marker in a DNA sample, in particular by using a oligonucleotide array. In particular, the method according to the invention allows for the identification and/or localization of gene(s) associated with a distinguishable phenotype.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for withdrawing biological samples. The device has a receptacle which can receive one or several covers for sample containers, another receptacle which can receive one or several sample containers, and a mechanism. Said mechanism joins the covers and containers together during a working cycle in which the biological sample is withdrawn either through the cover or the sample container to a test capsule.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the high-parallel characterisation of polymorphisms, especially SNPs. Said method can also be used for the simultaneous or separate detection of DNA methylation. First, a set of probes provided with at least one characteristic detectable identifying mark for a respective probe is connected to an addressed surface. A nucleic acid to be examined is then hybridised to these probes and the probes are extended in an allele-specific enzymatic reaction. The type and the occurrence of said allele-specific reaction determine whether the respective probe is enzymatically decomposed. Finally, the remaining allele-specific products are analysed and the existing alleles in the extracted nucleic acid samples are determined.

Abstract: The invention presents a method for examining genetic material (deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA) to detect the presence of pre-known mutations, especially single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), using mass spectrometry with ionization by matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI). The invention uses nucleoside triphosphates with modified sites for the method of primer extension in a duplicating, enzymatic reaction and at least partially removal of primers from the extension product, in combination with product neutralization by chemical treatment of the modified sites, so that the resulting DNA products can be, by using special matrix materials, preferredly ionized in an adduct-free form over other constituents in the reaction solution without any further cleaning. The method is particularly suitable for simultaneous identification of several mutations by multiplexing.

Abstract: The invention presents a method for examining genetic material (deoxyribonucleic acid, DNA) to detect the presence of pre-known mutations, especially single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), using mass spectrometry with ionization by matrix-assisted laser desorption (MALDI). The invention uses nucleoside triphosphates with modified sites for the method of primer extension in a duplicating, enzymatic reaction and at least partially removal of primers from the extension product, in combination with product neutralization by chemical treatment of the modified sites, so that the resulting DNA products can be, by using special matrix materials, preferredly ionized in an adduct-free form over other constituents in the reaction solution without any further cleaning. The method is particularly suitable for simultaneous identification of several mutations by multiplexing.

Abstract: The invention referres to a method for the preparation and selective replication of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) from biomaterial using PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for the analysis in time-of-flight mass spectrometers (TOF) with matrix-assisted laser desorption and ionization (MALDI) for determining specific genetic features in biomaterial. The invention consists, in a first step, of replicating the selected DNA segments by the PCR method in the usual unmodified fashion, and in a further enzymatic replication process, to replicate the DNA segments using modified substrates (the nucleic acids used for PCR) and specially prepared primers to such DNA analogs as are especially suitable for ionization by MALDI. Preparation of the primers particularly consists of introducing a charged group, which improves the ionization, and modification of the substrates is used to neutralize the negative charge on the phosphoric acid group of the DNA backbone.