METHOD FOR THE QUANTIFICATION OF METHYLATED DNA

摘要

The method according to the invention concerns a method for the quantification of two different variations of a DNA sequence. Particularly, the invention relates to a quantification of methylated DNA. For this purpose, the DNA to be investigated is first converted so that cytosine is converted to uracil, while 5-methylcytosine remains unchanged. Then the converted DNA is amplified by means of a real-time PCR. However, probes are utilized, one of which is specific for the methylated status and one for the unmethylated status of the DNA. The degree of methylation of the investigated DNA can be calculated from the ratio of the signal intensities of the probes or from the Ct values. The method according to the invention is particularly suitable for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer and other disorders associated with a change in the methylation status, as well as for the prediction of drug interactions.