Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the qualitative and quantitative determination of differentially expressed mRNA molecules. Said methods are used especially to determine all possible mRNA molecules present in a cell or a tissue, and to compare them with other cells or tissues, with other conditions (stages of disease or development), or with stages of treatment for these conditions. The method provided for in the invention therefore makes it possible, for example, to establish a comprehensive map of the different mRNA molecules present in a defined mRNA population and subsequently to use the preferably digital information obtained in this way in data base analyses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of a polynucleotide sequence en-coding Cathepsin Y or a amino acid sequence of Cathepsin Y protein for the characterization or identification of therapeutic agents for stroke, the use of such sequences for the development of a medicament, and agents useful as medicaments for the treatment of stroke.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of differentially expressed polynucleotide sequences or polypeptides for the characterization of stroke or progression thereof or progression of neurodegenerative processes as consequence thereof, a method for characterizing stroke, a method for identifying therapeutic agents for stroke and the use of such sequences for the development of a medicament.