Abstract: The present invention provides for the selective covalent modification of nucleic acids with redox active moieties such as transition metal complexes. Electron donor and electron acceptor moieties are covalently bound to the ribose-phosphate backbone of a nucleic acid at predetermined positions. The resulting complexes represent a series of new derivatives that are bimolecular templates capable of transferring electrons over very large distances at extremely fast rates. These complexes possess unique structural features which enable the use of an entirely new class of bioconductors and photoactive probes.

Abstract: An optical trap is used to translate a particle through a thin film coating on an optically-flat surface. Preferably, the thin film coating is heterogeneous and the optical trap is used to move the particle through a succession of different regions of the thin film coating where different chemical, biochemical and/or biological processes take place. Examples of chemical, biochemical and/or biological processes that might be implemented in accordance with the invention include the following: oligonucleotide synthesis and sequencing, peptide synthesis and sequencing, carbohydrate synthesis and sequencing, combinatorial library synthesis and screening, conventional (i.e., Sanger or Maxam-Gilbert) DNA sequengcing, or single-molecule DNA sequencing. In one embodiment of the invention, reaction products are left behind as the particle is moved through the thin film coating. Advantageously, these products can be identified by suitable means.

Abstract: New methods are disclosed for detecting cancer associated genes, and obtaining corresponding cDNA fragments. The methods involve supplying RNA preparations from control cells, and from a plurality of different cancer cells that share a duplicated or deleted gene in the same region of a chromosome. Amplified cDNA copies are displayed, and then selected based on differences in abundance of RNA between preparations. Optional additional screening steps involve surveying panels of cancer cells using the cDNA for RNA overabundance with or without gene duplication. By applying these methods, cDNA sequences derived from four novel genes associated with breast cancer were obtained and characterized. Each of the genes was duplicated in about 60% of the cancer cell lines tested; while other cells showed RNA overabundance without gene duplication. Genes with these properties are particularly useful in cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Abstract: Patient samples are identified by adding to the sample, preferably at the time it is taken, a plurality of identification oligonucleotides. The identification oligonucleotides are co-processed and sequenced at the same time as the sample. The resulting sequence analysis thus provides both the sequence of the region of interest in the sample DNA, and the sequence of the identification oligonucleotides which are used to confirm the identity of the patient. In an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of specially constructed identification oligonucleotides is used. Each identification oligonucleotide is constructed based upon a starting oligonucleotide and comprises(a) a primer site which is not homologous with DNA from the organism from which the sample is taken and which may be the same or different from the primer site of the other identification oligonucleotides; and(b) an identification region having the general formula-(M-N).sub.x - or -(M-N-N).sub.

Abstract: A novel human cDNA, called TIG3 (Tazarotene Induced Gene 3), inducible by RAR-selective retinoids and structurally related to a known tumor suppressor gene. Methods of detecting the TIG3 polynucleotide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nucleic acid fragment derived from the Mycobacterium tuberculosis genome, characterized in that it contains one of the sequences I, II, III and IV, defined in the following manner:I: a sequence chosen from one of the sequences A to H:A: 5'-CCCGCGGCAAAGCCCGCAGGACCACGATCG-3' (SEQ ID NO. 1)B: 5'-CGACCCGCCAGCCCAGGATCCTGCGAGCGT-3' (SEQ ID NO. 2)C: 5'-GGCGGGTCCAGATGGCTTGCTCGATCGCGT-3' (SEQ ID NO. 3)D: 5'-GTTGGCGGGTCCAGATGGCTTGCTCGATCG-3' (SEQ ID NO. 4)E: 5'-TCAAAGGGTTTGACAAATTAATGATTGGTC-3' (SEQ ID NO. 5)F: 5'-TCGTGTACAAAATGTGGACAAGTA-3' (SEQ ID NO. 6)G: 5'-TCGACGGACGTCGTGACCAGAAGTC-3' (SEQ ID NO. 7)H: 5'-GTCGACACGCCTTCTGCACGGGAAGTCCTT-3' (SEQ ID NO.

Abstract: Photoconductor scumming in an electrophotographic copying machine is substantially eliminated by using a synthetic fiber cleaning brush that is substantially free from low yield strength, low surface energy materials.

Abstract: This method for preparing micromatrices consists in applying a specially-patterned intermediate layer of laser-absorbing substance on a solid support. The configuration of the sublayer fully corresponds to the topology of the manufactured matrix. The intermediate layer is further covered by a continuous layer of gel , the gel and the material of the support being transparent towards laser radiation. The gel layer is irradiated by a laser beam for a time needed to evaporate simultaneously the gel in the places immediately above the laser-absorbing sublayer and the sublayer itself. Oligonucleotides from a chosen set are then attached to the formed gel `cells`, one oligonucleotide to each cell.This method is intended for use in biotechnology, specifically for deciphering the nucleotide sequence of DNA.

Abstract: Methods and test kits for detecting, or detecting and quantitating functional nuclear receptors in cell or tissue samples are disclosed. Such methods provide highly sensitive assays requiring small sample sizes and short turnaround times. The methods are useful in developing prognoses and/or treatment programs for cancer patients, especially in determining whether therapy to interfere with the receptor's activation of gene transcription, such as, endocrine therapy, would be helpful.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for inhibiting the aging of amino-containing amino acid, peptides, proteins and biomolecules. Accordingly, a composition is disclosed which comprises an agent or compound capable of reacting with the glycosyl-amino moiety of the early glycosylation product (also known as the Amadori product or the Heyns product) formed by the reaction of glucose, or other reactive sugars, with an amino-containing peptide, protein or biomolecule, thus stabilizing this early glycosylation product, and preventing its further reaction to form open-chain, carbonyl-containing advanced glycosylation end products. Suitable agents may contain a reactive aldehyde group. A preferred agent is acetaldehyde. The method comprises contacting the target biomolecule with the composition. Both industrial and therapeutic applications for the invention are envisioned, as food spoilage and animal protein aging can be treated.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the selective covalent modification of nucleic acids with redox active moieties such as transition metal complexes. Electron donor and electron acceptor moieties are covalently bound to the ribose-phosphate backbone of a nucleic acid at predetermined positions. The resulting complexes represent a series of new derivatives that are bimolecular templates capable of transferring electrons over very large distances at extremely fast rates. These complexes possess unique structural features which enable the use of an entirely new class of bioconductors and photoactive probes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a protein VanB involved, in Gram-positive bacteria, in resistance to glycopeptides, particularly to vancomycine, said resistance being of the type inducible by the vancomycine and non-inducible by teicoplanine. The invention also relates to the utilisation of fragments of nucleotides of the gene van B for the detection of resistances to glycopeptides.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for the production of a polypeptide which is immunologically cross-reactive with a naturally-occurring major outer membrane protein (MOMP) of Chlamydia trachomatis. A DNA construct including a replication system recognized by E. coli, and an MOMP gene under the transcriptional control of a .beta.-galactosidase promoter and terminator is provided. Recombinant phage .lambda.gt11/L2/33 was deposited at the American Type Culture Collection, 12301 Parklawn Drive, Rockville, Md. 20852, on Jan. 10, 1985 and granted accession no. 40157. L2 B9-F DNA was deposited at the American Type Culture Collection on Dec. 31, 1985, and granted accession No. 40217.

Abstract: A disposable cartridge for storage and delivery of reagents for synthesizing and labeling of synthetic oligonucleotides comprises an annular casing, an enclosed area defined by the interior surface of the casing and a non-swellable matrix which is inert to organic solvents is positioned within the enclosed area. Adsorbed onto the surface of the matrix is a reagent to be coupled to an immobilized oligonucleotide precursor. The cartridges can be packaged in such a way as to insure the long-term stability of the reagents contained therein. The cartridge is readily insertable into the reagent delivery line of an automated synthesizer of oligonucleotides and also is useful for the production of labeled oligonucleotides by manual coupling. The cartridges of the invention are disposable after a single use. Substantial economies in the synthesis of labeled synthetic oligonucleotides are achieved by use of the cartridge.

Abstract: An allelic variant of the 5HT7 serotonin receptor was discovered. Family study data indicate that this variant can be correlated to alchoholic offerders. DNA encoding the variant protein, the protein itself, vectors containing the variant gene and cell lines carrying a vector with the variant gene are part of the invention.

Abstract: A method for forming and using an array of, e.g., bacteria, yeast or bacteriophage for the purpose of identifying particular constituents thereof. The array is formed by directing a stream of droplets, each containing on average about 1 or a few biological particles, at spaced locations in an array on a surface, e.g., a nylon membrane or agar gel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tumor specific antigens and functional proteins of a tumor cell preparable by identifying protein presents in the tumor cell that are selectively immunogenic for tumor patients. The present invention still further provides a process of making a peptide library of tumor specific humoral antigens, a process of increasing the immunogenic specificity of a tumor-associated antigen, an assay kit for detecting the presence of an antibody immunoreactive with a tumor-specific antigen, and a process of making T cells sensitized to a tumor-specific antigen.

Abstract: cDNA sequences derived from four novel genes associated with breast cancer are provided. In over about 60% of the cancer cell lines tested, RNA hybridizing with the cDNAs were substantially more abundant than in normal cells. Most of the cell lines also showed a duplication of the corresponding gene, which probably contributed to the increased level of RNA in the cell. However, for each of the four genes, there were some cell lines which had RNA overabundance without gene duplication. This suggests that the gene product is sufficiently important to the cancer process that cells will use several alternative mechanisms to achieve increased expression. The polynucleotides, polypeptides, and antibodies provided by this invention are expected to be particularly useful in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Also provided is a general method for obtaining cDNA with similar properties that may be associated with breast cancer and other malignancies.

Abstract: The process includes the steps of: a) contacting a liquid containing mRNA with an insoluble support having DNA probes attached thereto via the 5' -terminus thereof whereby the MRNA is hybridized to said probes and hence to said support; b) removing said liquid; and c) adding enzymes and nucleotides in solution whereby the probe functions as a primer to produce single stranded cDNA on the mRNA probe. The probe DNA may be oligo-dT or a specific DNA sequence, such as one that is complementary to a conserved region in a class of mRNA molecules. The insoluble support comprises magnetic particles which are monodisperse polymer particles comprising superparamagnetic iron oxide, a coating to reduce non-specific binding and a substituent for attaching an oligonucleotide.

Abstract: A method of analyzing the sequence of a polynucleotide analyte. The method includes contacting the analyte with a position-addressable array of oligonucleotides, each anchored to a solid support and having a 5'proximal and 3'-distal orientation. The hybridized oligonucleotides are then extended by strand-directed polymerase, to produce labeled, extended oligonucleotides at positions of the array corresponding to sequence matches between the array oligonucleotides and analyte regions. The pattern of label in the array is used to analyze analyte sequence.