Methods of diagnosing and treating hepatic cell proliferative disorders

Abstract

Provided are methods and compositions useful for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of hepatic cellular proliferative disorders. The methods include the modulation or analysis of hypemethylated glutathione-S-transferase nuleic acid sequence in hepatic samples and biological fluids.

1 - 75 . (canceled).  
     
     
         76 . A kit useful for the detection of a methylated CpG-containing nucleic acid in a GSTP1 promoter comprising carrier means containing one or more containers comprising a first container containing a reagent which modifies unmethylated cytosine and a second container containing primers for amplification of the CpG-containing nucleic acid, wherein the primers distinguish between modified methylated and nonmethylated nucleic acid.  
     
     
         77 . The kit of  claim 76 , wherein the modifying regent is bisulfite.  
     
     
         78 . The kit of  claim 76 , wherein said reagent modifies cytosine to uracil.  
     
     
         79 . The kit of  claim 76 , wherein the primer hybridizes with a target polynucleotide sequence having the sequence from about −539 to −239 upstream from GSTP1 transcription start site.  
     
     
         80 . The kit of  claim 79 , wherein the primers are SEQ ID Nos: 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 or any combination thereof.  
     
     
         81 . The kit of  claim 76 , further comprising nucleic acid amplification buffer.  
     
     
         82 . Isolated oligonucleotide primer(s) for detection of a methylated CpG-containing nucleic acid wherein the primer hybridizes with a target polynucleotide sequence having the sequence in the region from about −539 to −239 upstream from GSTP1 transcription start site.  
     
     
         83 . The primers of  claim 81 , wherein the primers are SEQ ID Nos: 1, 2, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or 13 or any combination thereof.  
     
     
         84 - 85 . (canceled).