Abstract: A purified thermostable enzyme is derived from the eubacterium Thermosipho africanus. The enzyme has DNA polymerase, activity reverse transcriptase activity, and optionally 5'.fwdarw.3' and/or 3'.fwdarw.5' exonuclease activity. The enzyme can be native or recombinant, and may be used with primers and nucleoside triphosphates in a temperature-cycling chain reaction where at least one nucleic acid sequence is amplified in quantity from an existing sequence.

Abstract: Modified thermostable DNA polymerases having enhanced efficiency for incorporating unconventional nucleotides, such as ribonucleotides, into DNA products, are advantageous in many in vitro synthesis applications. Such enzymes are particularly useful for use in nucleic acid sequencing protocols and provide novel means for DNA sequence analysis. Genes encoding the modified enzymes and methods for their production and use offer cost and efficiency advantages for DNA sequencing.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved primers for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a nucleic acid sequence from the gag gene of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The primers and amplification methods of the invention enable the detection of all HIV-1 group M isolates with nearly uniform efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to thermostable DNA polymerases which exhibit a different level of 5' to 3' exonuclease activity than their respective native polymerases. Particular conserved amino acid domains in thermostable DNA polymerases are mutated or deleted to alter the 5' to 3' exonuclease activity of the polymerases. The present invention also relates to means for isolating and producing such altered polymerases.

Abstract: Recombinant DNA sequences encoding the DNA polymerase activity of Thermus thermophilus can be used to construct recombinant vectors and transformed host cells for production of the activity. T. thermophilus DNA polymerase is an .about.94 kDa protein especially useful in the DNA amplification procedure known as the polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the amplification of nucleic acids using a reversibly inactivated thermostable enzyme. The reversibly inactivated enzyme is the result of a chemical modification of the protein which inactivates the enzyme. The activity of the inactivated enzyme is recovered by an incubation of the reaction mixture at an elevated temperature prior to, or as part of, the amplification reaction. Non-specific amplification is reduced because the reaction mixture does not support the formation of extension products prior to the activating incubation.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting carcinoma metastases in selected body tissues and fluids. These methods offer greater than 1,000-fold enhanced sensitivity compared to prior standard diagnostic methods. In one embodiment of the invention, target carcinoma associated nucleic acid sequences are identified for detecting minimal residual disease in lung carcinomas. The methods utilize nucleic acid amplification techniques, preferably, the polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the replication and amplification of RNA sequences by thermoactive DNA polymerases. In a preferred embodiment, high temperature reverse transcription is coupled to nucleic acid amplification in a one tube, one enzyme procedure using a thermostable DNA polymerase. Methods for eliminating carry over contamination of amplifications due to prior reverse transcription reactions are also provided. Reagents particularly suited for the methods of the present invention are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the amplification of nucleic acids using a reversibly inactivated thermostable enzyme. The reversibly inactivated enzyme is the result of a chemical modification of the protein which inactivates the enzyme. The activity of the inactivated enzyme is recovered by an incubation of the reaction mixture at an elevated temperature prior to, or as part of, the amplification reaction. Non-specific amplification is reduced because the reaction mixture does not support the formation of extension products prior to the activating incubation.

Abstract: DNA sequences and corresponding amino acid sequences from the HLA class II beta region of the human genome that are associated with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) have been identified. Specifically, marker DNA sequences which detect either directly or indirectly the identity of the codon encoding for the amino acid at position 57 of the DQ.beta. protein sequence are disclosed as well as sequences from the DR.beta. region. These sequences may be used to generate DNA hybridization probes and antibodies for assays to detect a person's susceptibility to autoimmune diseases, such as IDDM and PV. Such antibodies and peptides encoded by said DNA sequences can be used therapeutically or prophylactically.

Abstract: Purified DNA sequences that encode a thermostable pyrophosphatase are provided. The purified DNA is obtained using a DNA probe consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1. Also provided are methods for producing thermostable pyrophosphatase.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for determining an individual's genotype at the Glycophorin A locus with respect to a set of five alleles using sequence-specific oligonucleotide probes enable one to type samples from a variety of sources, including samples comprising RNA or cDNA templates, and can be applied to nucleic acids in which a target region spanning the polymorphism has been amplified. This typing facilitates typing tissue for determining individual identity and has application in the field of forensic science.

Abstract: The presence of human papillomavirus (HPV) in a sample can be detected and the HPV typed by a method that involves the amplification of HPV DNA sequences by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The primers used in the method are consensus primers that can be used to amplify a particular region of the genome of any HPV. The presence of HPV in a sample is indicated by the formation of amplified DNA. The HPV nucleic acid is detected by consensus probes that may be short oligonucleotide probes or long generic probes. The HPV is typed by the use of type-specific DNA probes specific for the amplified region of DNA.

Abstract: This invention provides for superior nucleic acid primers for amplification of select target regions of the genome of the genus Legionella. The invention facilitates detection of pathogenic and nonpathogenic forms of this genus. The invention further provides for processes for using the primers in template dependent nucleic acid polymerase extension reactions to amplify select target regions. Kits for the use of these primers are also provided.This invention further provides for methods of controlling the intensity of visual signal for detection of duplex formation in nucleic acid hybridization assays under high stringent conditions. This method involves the blending of different capture probes onto a solid support.

Abstract: Single or multiple nucleotide variations in nucleic acid sequence can be detected in nucleic acids by a process whereby the sample suspected of containing the relevant nucleic acid is repeatedly treated with primers, nucleotide triphosphates, and an agent for polymerization of the triphosphates and then denatured, in a process which amplifies the sequence containing the nucleotide variation if it is present. In one embodiment, the sample is spotted on a membrane and treated with a labeled sequence-specific oligonucleotide probe. Hybridization of the probe to the sample is detected by the label on the probe.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved primers for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of a nucleic acid sequence from the pol gene of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). The invention also provides improved probes for the detection of the nucleic acid amplified using the primers of the invention. The primers and amplification methods of the invention enable the detection of HIV-1 from any of the known subtypes. The probes of the invention enable simple and rapid hybridization detection assays for detecting amplified HIV-1 nucleic acid.

Abstract: The presence or absence of a nucleic acid sequence associated with AIDS in a sample containing one or more nucleic acids and suspected of containing such sequence can be detected by amplifying the sequence using primers to form extension products as templates and detecting the amplified product if it is present. This may be accomplished by adding a labeled hybridization probe to the amplified product either free in solution or after immobilization on a solid support.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides primers can be used to amplify and detect Hepatitis C virus nucleic acids in a process that involves reverse transcription of the viral genomic RNA to create cDNA and the subsequent amplification of the cDNA by the polymerase chain reaction. Oligonucleotide probes can be used to detect the presence of amplified DNA by hybridization. The invention provides improved methods, compositions, and kits for amplifying and detecting U.S., Japan, and HCV-C prototype nucleic acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of detecting a change in the length of an oligonucleotide labeled with a light-emitting label by measuring the light emission in the presence of a DNA binding compound that interacts with the label to modify the light emission of the label, wherein the degree of interaction depends on the length of the oligonucleotide. The methods are applicable in general to nucleic acid sequence detection assays that utilize a reaction that results in the selective cleavage of hybridized oligonucleotide probes, and, in particular, to amplification/detection assays wherein hybridized probes are cleaved concomitant with primer extension.

Abstract: Primers for amplification of specific nucleic acid sequences of the second exon of HLA DRbeta genes and probes for identifying polymorphic sequences contained in the amplified DNA can be used in processes for typing homozygous or heterozygous samples from a variety of sources and for detecting allelic variants not distinguishable by serological methods. This HLA DRbeta DNA typing system can be used in a dot-blot format that is simple and rapid to perform, produces detectable signals in minutes, and can be used for tissue typing, determining individual identity, and identifying disease susceptible individuals.