Detection of bisulfite converted nucleotide sequences

Abstract

The invention is to improved compositions and methods for the detection of target bisulfate converted methylated nucleotide sequences.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method of detecting nucleotide sequences comprising at least one unmethylated cytosine residue treated with bisulfite reagents comprising:
 a. providing, i) a sample suspected of comprising the target nucleic acid, ii) one or more primers specific for the bisulfite converted sense strand of nucleic acid, iii) one or more primers specific for the bisulfite converted antisense strand of the nucleic acid;   b. amplifying both the sense and antisense strands of any target nucleic acid present in the sample; and   c. detecting any amplified nucleic acid.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the nucleic acid is derived from body fluid. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the body fluid is serum or plasma. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the nucleic acid is derived from tissue, sputum, stool, urine, or cerebrospinal fluid. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said sample is suspected of comprising mS9. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said sample is obtained from a subject being screened for colorectal cancer. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said sample is obtained from a subject suspected of having colorectal cancer. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said sample is obtained from a subject being treated for colorectal cancer. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein said the detection of any amplified nucleic acid in said sample is compared to one or more samples taken previously from the same subject.