Abstract: The present invention provides a method for assessing the presence and risk of developing type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease in a subject by detecting sequence variation in DACH1 (Dachshund homolog 1) gene. A kit and device useful for such a method are also provided. In addition, the present invention provides a method for treating type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease in patients who have been tested and shown to have the pertinent genetic variations.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to polymers and macromolecules, in particular, to polymers useful in particles such as nanoparticles. One aspect of the invention is directed to a method of developing nanoparticles with desired properties. In one set of embodiments, the method includes producing libraries of nanoparticles having highly controlled properties, which can be formed by mixing together two or more macromolecules in different ratios. One or more of the macromolecules may be a polymeric conjugate of a moiety to a biocompatible polymer. In some cases, the nanoparticle may contain a drug. Other aspects of the invention are directed to methods using nanoparticle libraries.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for detecting a Chinese diabetic subject suffering from, at risk for developing, or suspected of suffering from a nephropathy. The method includes determining whether a sample from the subject has at least one polymorphic sequence selected from the group consisting of polymorphic sequences an I/D genotype of an ACE gene, an M235T genotype of an AGT gene, a (CA) n-5? (z-2) genotype of an ALR2 gene, an C106T genotype of an ALR2 gene in the promoter region, a G-308A genotype of a TNF-? gene, and a complement thereof, provided that the ALR2 gene cannot be used alone, in which the presence of the polymorphic sequence indicates the subject suffering from, or at risk for suffering from a nephropathy. Also provided is an array for detecting a Chinese diabetic subject suffering from, or at risk for suffering from a nephropathy.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for determining the risk of developing cataract in mammals, and, more specifically, in mammals, including humans, with non-insulin dependent diabetes. The methods are performed by determining the presence or absence of genetic markers in genomic DNA. The presence of a Z-2 allele, a microsatellite marker of the aldose reductase, is indicative of an increased risk for developing cataract. The presence of Z-4, a microsatellite allele of the aldose reductase gene, indicates a decreased risk for developing cataract. The methods comprise nucleic acid probes that hybridize to a nucleic acid encoding the microsatellite region of the mammalian aldose reductase gene. The probes may also be immobilized on a solid support to form a microarray.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for identifying mutations and polymorphisms in mutant genes encoding gene product involved in insulin secretion, for example, hepatocyte nuclear factor-1?, glucokinase, amylin and mitochondrial DNA are disclosed. Specifically, a microchip comprising a combination of at least two different mutant genes wherein each gene comprises at least one mutation indicative of a predisposition for type-2 diabetes in a member of a Chinese population is disclosed. A kit comprising the microchip, an isolated nucleic acid, primers and probes which are specifically used to screen or identify the mutations in genes of hepatocyte nuclear factor-1?, glucokinase, amylin and mitochondrial DNA are also disclosed.