Methods and Nucleic Acids for the Detection of Metastasis of Colon Cell Proliferative Disorders

Abstract

The invention provides methods, nucleic acids and kits for detecting metastasis of colon cell proliferative disorders. The invention discloses genomic sequences the methylation patterns of which have utility for the improved detection of metastasis of colon cell proliferative disorders, thereby enabling the improved diagnosis and treatment of patients.

1 . A nucleic acid molecule for the detection of metastasis of colon cell proliferative disorders consisting essentially of a sequence at least 18 bases in length according to one of the sequences taken from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 5, 6, 13 and 14. 
     
     
         2 . An oligomer, in particular an oligonucleotide or peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-oligomer, for the detection of metastasis of colon cell proliferative disorders, said oligomer consisting essentially of at least one base sequence having a length of at least 10 nucleotides which hybridises to or is identical to one of the nucleic acid sequences according to SEQ ID NOS: 5, 6, 13 and 14. 
     
     
         3 . A kit comprising a bisulfite (=disulfite, hydrogen sulfite) reagent as well as at least one oligomer consisting essentially of at least one base sequence having a length of at least 10 nucleotides which hybridises to or is identical to one of the nucleic acid sequences according to SEQ ID NO: 5, 6, 13 and 14.