Identification of a DNA methylation signature and distinct microRNA variants in breast cancer [Elektronische Ressource] / presented by Yasser Riazalhosseini

Inaugural Dissertation Submitted to the Combined Faculties for the Natural Sciences and for Mathematics of the Ruperto-Carola University of Heidelberg, Germany for the degree of Doctor of Natural Sciences Presented by Master Sci. Yasser Riazalhosseini Born in Tehran, Iran Oral-examination: June 17, 2010 Identification of a DNA methylation signature and distinct microRNA variants in breast cancer This work was carried out in the Division of Functional Genome Analysis at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Head of division: Dr. Jörg Hoheisel Referees: Prof. Dr. Harald Hermmann-Lerdon Prof. Dr. Jörn WalterThesis declaration I hereby certify that this thesis was written by me. No sources of information other than those listed in the references were used. Heidelberg, April 27, 2010 …………………………… Yasser Riazalhosseini iii Acknowledgement I am grateful to; - My parents who were the first teachers in my life and Maria Shahmoradgoli for her constant support throughout our life. - Jörg Hoheisel for giving me the opportunity to carry out this research towards my doctorate, his invaluable ideas and support, and the unique friendly atmosphere of his group. - Verena Beier for the introduction to the microarray field and technical guidance. - Prof. Dr. Harald Hermmann-Lerdon (DKFZ) and Prof. Dr.