Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for the selection of serum biomarkers of epigenetic alterations, particularly of global hypomethylation, and the use of said biomarkers in a method for screening, diagnosing and following a pathology associated to epigenetic alterations of cell in an individual, such as placental-related pathology or cancer. The present invention also relates to a method of detecting a predisposition to placental-related pathology or cancer based on the presence or the level of said biomarker in a serum or plasma sample of said patient. The present invention also relates to a method for predicting and following the effect of drugs targeting epigenetic modifications and in particular the effect of demethylating agents. The present invention is directed to a kit comprising such serum biomarkers of epigenetic alterations, particularly of global hypomethylation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method to distinguish between HCG ? type I and type II gene expression using specific antibody. The specific recognition of HCG? encoded by type II genes and expressed by trophoblastic and neoplastic cells might improve the clinical usefulness of assays aimed at either diagnosing tumors or screening Down's syndrome. The present invention also provides a diagnostic kit for determining the amount of HCG? type II in a biological sample. The present invention additionally provides process of preparation and screening hybridoma capable of specifically recognizing HCG? type II and recombinant antibody thereof. Finally, the present invention provides methods for detecting trophoblast or non-trophoblast malignancy in a sample.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of the expression level of the pro-EPIL gene as a biomarker for the diagnosing of testicular cancer, particularly a testicular germ cell tumor. The invention also relates to an in vitro method for detecting and/or classifying a testicular cancer in a subject comprising a step of determining the expression level of the gene encoding the pro-EPIL peptide in a biological, particularly in combination with the determination of the beta subunit HCG? and the human alpha-fetoprotein AFP. The invention is also directed to a kit or solid support comprising nucleic acids or antibodies capable of determining the presence or the expression level of these three biological markers.