APM1 biallelic markers and uses thereof

Abstract

The invention provides novel APM1 genomic sequences, polypeptides, antibodies, and polynucleotides including biallelic markers derived from the APM1 locus. Primers hybridizing to regions flanking these biallelic markers are also provided. This invention also provides polynucleotides and methods suitable for genotyping a nucleic acid containing sample for one or more biallelic markers of the invention. Additionally, the invention provides methods to detect a statistical correlation between a biallelic marker allele and a phenotype and/or between a biallelic marker haplotype and a phenotype. Further, the invention provides diagnostic methods for early detection of obesity-related disorders.

We claim:  
     
         1 . A method of genotyping comprising the steps of: 
 a) obtaining a biological sample; and    b) determining the identity of a nucleotide at a biallelic marker at position 15863 (biallelic marker A7 (99-14405/105)) of SEQ ID NO: 1 or the complements thereof within said sample.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said biological sample is obtained from a single subject.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the identity of the nucleotides at said biallelic marker is determined for both copies of said biallelic marker present in said subject's genome.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said biological sample is obtained from multiple subjects.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising amplifying a portion of said sequence comprising the biallelic marker prior to said determining step.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said determining is performed by a method selected from the group consisting of a hybridization assay, a sequencing assay, a microsequencing assay, and an allele-specific amplification assay.