Abstract: A method is described for the amplification of nucleic acids, in which the segments to be amplified are first hybridized with at least two primer oligonucleotides that have two domains, wherein the sequence-specific domain found at the 3-end hybridizes to the segment to be amplified, while the generic domain found at the 5-end does not hybridize. Then an amplification reaction is conducted by means of a polymerase and subsequently a labeled primer oligonucleotide, which binds to the generic domain of the first primer, is hybridized to the amplificate which is formed. In the last step, the sequence of the amplificate is investigated.

Abstract: Described is a method for detecting 5-methylcytosine in genomic DNA samples. First, a genomic DNA from a DNA sample is chemically converted with a reagent, 5-methylcytosine and cytosine reacting differently, and the pretreated DNA is subsequently amplified using a polymerase and at least one primer. In the next step, the amplified genomic DNA is hybridized to at least one oligonucleotide, forming a duplex, and said oligonucleotide is elongated by at least one nucleotide, the nucleotide carrying a detectable label, and the elongation depending on the methylation status of the specific cytosine in the genomic DNA sample. In the next step, the elongated oligonucleotides are analyzed for the presence of the label.

Abstract: This invention is related to methods, systems and computer program products for determining the biological effect and/or activity of drugs, chemical substances and/or pharmaceutical compositions using their effect on DNA methylation as a marker for their biological effect(s). The invention is further related to the use of the inventive methods, systems and computer program products in obtaining new biologically active compounds for new and effective medicaments and treatment strategies of, in particular, human diseases.

Abstract: A coupler to be embedded in a first (e.g., flat) panel and an insert to be embedded in a second (e.g., flat) panel to be joined to the first panel during the assembly of an article, for example, of furniture. The coupler includes a coupler body, a cam bolt rotatable within the coupler body, a cam head carried by and rotatable with the cam bolt, and a lever extending from the cam bolt to a location outside the coupler body at which to receive a rotational pushing force. The insert has a hollow interior, a closed leading end extending laterally across the hollow interior, and a window formed in the closed leading end and communicating with the hollow interior. The cam head of the coupler is moved through the window in the closed leading end of the insert. A rotational force applied to the lever causes the cam bolt to rotate within the coupler body, which rotation is imparted to the cam head.

Abstract: This invention is related to methods, systems and computer program products for determining the biological effect and/or activity of drugs, chemical substances and/or pharmaceutical compositions using their effect on DNA-methylation as a marker for their biological effect(s). The invention is further related to the use of the inventive methods, systems and computer program products in obtaining new biologically active compounds which can be used as so-called “lead”-compounds for new and effective medicaments and treatment strategies of, in particular, human diseases.

Abstract: Herein described is a method for the detection of cyto-sine methylation in a nucleic acid sample, comprising the steps of: a) treating a nucleic acid sample with an agent convert-ing unmethylated cytosine bases into uracil bases and not converting methylated cytosine bases within said nucleic acid sample, b) amplifying selected segments of the treated nucleic acid sample, by providing two first oligonucleotide primers (A and B) that are capable of producing an amplificate under certain chosen amplification conditions inde-pendently of the methylation status of the nucleic acid before treatment in step a), and further providing at least two additional second oligonucleotide primers (C and D) that can each produce a product with one of the first primers (A or B) under said same amplification conditions, wherein at least one of the second primers binds to the nucleic acid in a methylation specific manner, thereby distinguishing between unconverted initially methylated and converted unmethylated nucleic acids and

Abstract: The following invention concerns a method for investigating cytosine methylation by means of DNA repair enzymes. Here, the DNA is first converted so that unmethylated cytosines are converted to uracil, while 5-methylcytosine remains unchanged. Then the DNA is hybridized to oligonucleotides, whereby hybrids will be formed with or without erroneous base pairings, in each case depending on the methylation status of the DNA. Following this, the erroneously paired hybrids will be cleaved by repair enzymes. Then the methylation status of the DNA can be determined in different ways. The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer disorders and other diseases associated with a change of the methylation status as well as for predicting undesired drug effects.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for detecting the methylation status in DNA samples. According to the invention, a DNA methyl transferase and a labeled S-adenosylmethionine derivative allow a detectable label to be covalently bonded to the DNA, in accordance with the respective methylation status of the DNA sample.

Abstract: A method is described for the analysis of cytosine methylation patterns in genomic DNA samples. In the first method step, the genomic DNA is isolated from cells or other accompanying materials and bound essentially irreversibly to a surface. Then the DNA bound to the surface is treated, preferably with a bisulfite, in such a way that cytosine is converted into a base that is different in its base pairing behavior in the DNA duplex, while 5-methylcytosine remains unchanged. Then the reagents that were used are removed in a washing step. Finally, selected segments of the immobilized DNA are amplified in a polymerase reaction and the amplified products are investigated with respect to their sequence.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method for the bisulfite conversion of DNA, and facilitates the analysis of cytosine methylation of genomic DNA. Novel combinations of denaturing solvents, new reaction conditions and new purification methods provide surprisingly efficacious methods for bisulfite conversion of DNA relative to prior art methods. The converted DNA may subsequently be analyzed by many different methods.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to the determination of the DNA methylation level at one or more CpG position within cells of a defined type in a tissue sample. This methylation level is deduced from the total DNA methylation level of all cells of the sample and from the content of said cells of interest. In aspects of the invention, the cell content is determined by means of histopatholoy, staining methods, antibodies, expression analysis or DNA methylation analysis.

Abstract: A method for sensitive and specific detection of cytosine methylation is described wherein the DNA to be analyzed is subjected to initial enrichment. More specifically, said enrichment can be effected in a methylation-specific, sequence-specific or origin-specific fashion. Thereafter, the enriched DNA is converted in a methylation-specific fashion. The converted DNA can be analyzed using various methods, particularly real-time PCR methods.

Abstract: The present application provides methods and nucleic acids the classification of a biological sample. This is achieved by the analysis of the expression status of at least one of the genes selected from Table 1 as disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, a method for generating a genome-wide epigenomic map, comprising a correlation between methylation variable CpG positions (MVP) and genomic DNA sample types. MVP are those CpG positions that show a variable quantitative level of methylation between sample types. Particular genomic regions of interest (ROI) provide preferred marker sequences that comprise multiple, and preferably proximate MVP, and that have novel utility for distinguishing sample types. The epigenic maps have broad utility, for example, in identifying sample types, or for distinguishing between and among sample types. In a preferred embodiment the epigenomic map is based on methylation variable regions (MVP) within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), and has utility, for example, in identifying the cell or tissue source of a genomic DNA sample, or for distinguishing one or more particular cell or tissue types among other cell or tissue types.

Abstract: A drawer front system including an interchangeable front panel adapted to be detachably connected to the face of a drawer without requiring special skill or the use of tools. The interchangeable front panel is ideally selected from a variety of front panels having different aesthetics so that the ornamental appearance of the drawer front can be easily changed to correspond with a change in mood, home or office relocation, or living/working arrangement of a user. A pair of panel mounts (e.g., rails) project outwardly from the face of the drawer. A corresponding pair of mounting recesses (e.g., channels) are formed in the interchangeable front panel to slidably receive respective ones of the panel mounts, whereby the detachable front panel and the drawer face are disposed in face-to-face alignment with the front panel visible to passersby.

Abstract: A method is described for the analysis of cytosine methylation patterns in genomic DNA samples. In the first method step, the genomic DNA is isolated from cells or other accompanying materials and bound essentially irreversibly to a surface. Then the DNA bound to the surface is treated, preferably with a bisulfite, in such a way that cytosine is converted into a base that is different in its base pairing behavior in the DNA duplex, while 5-methylcytosine remains unchanged. Then the reagents that were used are removed in a washing step. Finally, selected segments of the immobilized DNA are amplified in a polymerase reaction and the amplified products are investigated with respect to their sequence.

Abstract: Described is a method for detecting 5-methylcytosine in genomic DNA samples. First, a genomic DNA from a DNA sample is chemically converted with a reagent, 5-methylcytosine and cytosine reacting differently, and the pretreated DNA is subsequently amplified using a polymerase and at least one primer. In the next step, the amplified genomic DNA is hybridized to at least one oligonucleotide, forming a duplex, and said oligonucleotide is elongated by at least one nucleotide, the nucleotide carrying a detectable label, and the elongation depending on the methylation status of the specific cytosine in the genomic DNA sample. In the next step, the elongated oligonucleotides are analyzed for the presence of the label.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for cancer diagnostics, including but not limited to, so-called “pan cancer markers”. In particular, the present invention provides methods of identifying methylation patterns in genes associated with specific cancers, and their related uses. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of selecting and combining useful sets of pan cancer markers.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide methods for the specific amplification of template DNA in the presence of potentially contaminating PCR products from previous amplification experiments, but wherein the contaminating prior reaction amplificates (carry-over contaminants) are rendered non-amplifiable, based on use of particular contaminant degradation enzymes, and use of at least one primer that is fully complementary to any contaminating prior reaction amplificate nucleic acid, but contains a mismatch with the correspond sequence of the sample template nucleic acid. Additional aspects provide a method for the specific amplification of single-stranded sample template DNA in the presence of potentially double-stranded carry-over products. Further aspects provide methods comprising use of a template-dependent thermostable DNA polymerase enzyme suitable for incorporating ribonucleotides as well as deoxy-nucleotides to provide a chimeric amplificate.

Abstract: The present application provides methods and nucleic acids for providing a prognosis of cell proliferative disorders, most preferably cancer but not breast cancer.