Analysis of genetic and epigenetic alterations in prostate cancer

Coordinator:		Dr. Dr. Michal-Ruth Schweiger
Institution:		Max Planck Institut für Molekulare Genetik
Homepage:		www.molgen.mpg.de/

The goal of the project is to systemaltically identify genetic and epigenetic alterations in prostate cancer patients and to correlate them to Array CGH and SNP Chip analyses (SP2), miRNA and mRNA expression data (SP5) as well as with protein analyses (SP6). Key techniques used are next generation sequencing techniques such as Solexa and 454 sequencing. DNA regions of interest will be enriched with sequence-specific hybridisation techniques as well as with methyl-CpG-antibodies followed by high-throughput sequencing. Received informations will be analyzed in regard to their usability as prognostic markers and will be correlated with results from other subprojects. Based on the close collaboration with clinical partners it will be possible to immediately use potential biomarkers for an early detection as well as for a more differentiated grading of prostate cancers in prospective clinical studies.