Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and kits based, at least in part, on the identification of allele-specific responsiveness or non-responsiveness to glatiramer acetate for the treatment of autoimmune disorders, such as relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The allele-specific responsiveness or non-responsiveness is based on polymorphisms in the following genes, CTSS, MBP, TCRB, CD95, CD86, IL-1R1, CD80, SCYA5, MMP9, MOG, SPP1 and IL-12RB2.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and kits based, at least in part, on the identification of allele-specific responsiveness or non-responsiveness to glatiramer acetate for the treatment of immune disorders, such as relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. The allele-specific responsiveness or non-responsiveness is based on polymorphisms in the following genes, CTSS, MBP, TCRB, CD95, CD86, IL-1R1, CD80, SCYA5, MMP9, MOG, SPP1 and IL-12RB2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an erythrocyte differentiation factor designed Codanin-1, and to an isolated nucleic acid which encodes for the differentiation factor. Mutations in the differentiation factor are associated with Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemias (CDA), a group of inherited red blood cell disorders associated with dysplastic changes in late erythroid precursors. The present invention further relates to uses of the differentiation factor to promote the differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells to erythrocytes, as well as for the treatment and diagnosis of anemia.

Abstract: A nucleic acid sequence comprising: 1) the sequence represented in FIG. 8; or 2) the sequence represented in FIG. 2; or 3) a part of the sequence of FIG. 2 with the proviso that it is able to code for a protein having a calcium dependant protease activity involved in a LGMD2; or 4) a sequence derived from a sequence defined in 1), 2) or 3) by substitution, deletion or addition of one or more nucleotides with the proviso that said sequences still codes for said protease.