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.

Abstract: Methods are provided for distinguishing between RNA and DNA templates in an amplification reaction. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the amplification reaction is a PCR and the reaction is catalyzed by a thermostable DNA polymerase or both reverse transcription and amplification of a target RNA. The invention particularly relates to selective amplification of RNA in the presence of homologous DNA, for example, HIV nucleic acids.

Abstract: Nucleic acid fragments have been obtained from the genome of mycobacteria, and applications of the nucleic acid fragments in the diagnosis of mycobacterial infections are described. More particularly, the present invention concerns an isolated polynucleotide of the formula:5'-(SEQ ID NO: 1)-(formula III)-(SEQ ID NO: 2)-3'where formula III represents a polynucleotide containing nucleotides 343-1152 of SEQ ID NO: 3. Primers and probes based on the isolated polynucleotide, DNA complementary to any of the polynucleotides, primers or probes, a method of detecting and identifying at least one species or group of mycobacteria, and a kit, box, or coordinated set for conducting the method are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule encoding an .alpha..sub.2B -adrenergic receptor, and an isolated protein which is a human .alpha..sub.2B -adrenergic receptor. The invention also provides vectors comprising DNA molecules encoding a human .alpha..sub.2B -adrenergic receptor, and vectors adapted for expression of the .alpha.2b.sub.2B -adrenergic receptor in bacterial, yeast, or mammalian cells. In addition, the invention provides a DNA probe useful for detecting nucleic acid encoding the .alpha.2b.sub.2B -adrenergic receptor, a method for determining whether a ligand which is not known to be capable of binding to the .alpha.2b.sub.2B -adrenergic receptor can bind to the .alpha..sub.2B -adrenergic receptor on the surface of a cell, and a method of screening drugs to identify drugs to identify drugs which specifically interact with, and bind to, the .alpha..sub.2B -adrenergic receptor. The invention herein also concern an antibody directed to the human .alpha..sub.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetic mutations in mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase genes that segregate with Alzheimer's disease (AD). The invention provides methods for detecting such mutations, as a diagnostic for Alzheimer's Disease, either before or after the onset clinical symptoms. The invention further provides treatment of cytochrome oxidase dysfunction.

Abstract: Nucleic acid probes are described for detecting the principle etiological agent of primary atypical pneumonia, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, or, optionally, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Mycoplasma genitalium. Said probes are complementary to ribonucleic acid sequences found in these mycoplasmas and absent from other mycoplasma, other bacterial, animal, or plant genomes. As such, these probes can detect the rRNA, rDNA, or polymerase chain reaction amplification products from these mycoplasma species. This set of probes, plus the described amplification primers, circumscribe a method for detecting the etiological agents of atypical pneumonia, and for making a clinical diagnosis of this disease. This set of probes also circumscribes a method for identification of these infectious agents in culture media enrichments inoculated from clinical samples.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed for diagnosing the presence of a chromosomal translocation characteristic of acute myelogenous leukemia. Nucleic acid molecules that may be used in this improved method are described.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for amplification of specific nucleic acid sequences based upon the separation of nucleic acid strands by an electromagnetic field. This means of separation allows the use of mesophilic polymerases in the amplification process, thereby increasing the speed and fidelity of the amplification process.

Abstract: A means for cleaving a nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner is disclosed. A cleaving enzyme having 5' nuclease activity without interfering nucleic acid synthetic ability is employed as the basis of a novel method of detection of specific nucleic acid sequences. Cleaving enzymes are produced through the use of novel DNA sequences which encode novel thermostable polymerases.

Abstract: A nucleotide sequence characteristic of Neisseria gonorrhoeae is disclosed. The sequence can be the basis for hybridization type, nucleic acid-based, rapid, in vitro diagnostic assays. The unique nature of the sequence makes it possible to clearly discriminate N. gonorrhoeae from other Neisseria species thus eliminating or substantially reducing the number of false positive readings. A 350 base pair N. gonorrhoeae DNA restriction fragment was cloned after subtractive hybridization to Neisseria meningitidis DNA. In further cloning experiments the sequences adjacent to the original 350 base pair fragment were determined. A portion of this sequence was shown to detect 105 of 106 N. gonorrhoeae strains and no other Neisseria species. In addition to use as detection probes, all or portions of the nucleotide sequence can be used as a ligand for the sandwich capture of N. gonorrhoeae sequences and as primers for in vitro amplification of N. gonorrhoeae sequences.

Abstract: Provided are hybrid receptor molecules wherein one domain of the receptor is derived from the cytokine superfamily of receptors and other domain is derived from a heterologous family of receptors. Also provided are methods for identifying ligands that bind to the hybrid receptor molecules.

Abstract: Disclosed are nucleic acid oligonucleotides which are substantially complementary to nucleic acids from Mycobacteria, and subgeneric classes thereof. More specifically, the oligonucleotides are complementary to ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and the DNA encoding rRNA (rDNA). Uses for such oligonucleotides include detection of Mycobacteria by hybridization and amplification of Mycobacterial nucleic acid by polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide probes and primers which exhibit M. kansasii-specificity in nucleic acid hybridization assays and in nucleic acid amplification reactions are provided. The full-length M. kansasii-specific sequence, identified herein as clone MK7, is 493 base pairs in length and has a GC content of 63%. Several M. kansasii-specific subsequences of MK7 are also provided. The probes and primers are useful in assays for species-specific detection and identification of M. kansasii.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating the activity of RNA are disclosed. In accordance with preferred embodiments, antisense compositions are prepared comprising targeting and reactive portions. The reactive portions preferably comprise one or two imidazole functionalities conjugated to the targeting oligonucleotide via linkers with or without intervening intercalating moieties. Therapeutics, diagnostics and research methods also are disclosed, as are synthetic nucleosides and nucleoside fragments that can be elaborated into oligonucleotides.

Abstract: Methods of diagnosing or prognosing Alzheimer's disease in a subject are disclosed. The methods involve directly or indirectly detecting the presence or absence of an apolipoprotein E type 4 (ApoE4) isoform or DNA, encoding ApoE4 in the subject. The presence of ApoE4 indicates the subject is afflicted with Alzheimer's disease or at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. A novel immunochemical assay for detecting the presence or absence of the Apoliprotein E (ApoE) E4 allele in a subject is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides oligonucleotides (A): and (B): and their derivatives. These oligos may be used as a pair of primers for the detection of HPV16 (SEQ ID NO:3) DNA in a sample, without false positives arising due to the presence of other HPV strains. Kits containing the primers and the use of the primers to screen populations are provided.

Abstract: Method for determining the nucleotide base sequence of a double-stranded closed circular DNA. The method includes heating a solution which includes the DNA in the presence of at least 20% glycerol and/or ethylene glycol to at least 80.degree. C. to provide denatured DNA, and then sequencing the denatured DNA.

Abstract: A synthetic strategy for the creation of large scale chemical diversity. Solid-phase chemistry, photolabile protecting groups, and photolithography are used to achieve light-directed spatially-addressable parallel chemical synthesis. Binary masking techniques are utilized in one embodiment. A reactor system, photoremovable protective groups, and improved data collection and handling techniques are also disclosed. A technique for screening linker molecules is also provided.

Abstract: Soil bacteria can be isolated which produce an enzyme capable of catalyzing the degradation of mannan-containing hemicellulose under conditions combining high pH and high temperature. Such bacteria can be cultured or used as sources of genetic information with which to engineer other microorganisms to produce the enzyme. Commercially useful quantities of native or recombinant hemicellulase can thus be produced by cultures consisting essentially of microorganisms capable of producing the enzyme.

Abstract: A hydrogen bond labeling and base sequence determination method for DNA or RNA takes advantage of the complementary nature of the fundamental structure of DNA or RNA bases to bind corresponding chemical species with the base species of a denatured DNA or RNA chain. After providing an aqueous solution containing a nucleic acid, heating the aqueous solution to cleave the nucleic acid; cooling the aqueous solution and adding a base-specific labeling molecule having available hydrogen bonds to the aqueous solution, the base-specific labeling molecules bond to the available bases in a one-to-one fashion via the available hydrogen bonds. The resulting labeled molecule can be microscopically observed to determine the base sequence of the nucleic acid.