Abstract: Preparations of nucleic acid condensates and compositions containing such condensates are provided. The nucleic acid condensates are in the form of small particles that are stable when subjected to destabilizing conditions such as lyophilizing, freeze-thawing, and prolonged liquid storage. These compositions may be used to deliver nucleic acid to cells.

Abstract: A family of proteins, including a specific human protein designated as HIP1, has been identified that interact differently with the gene product of a normal (16 CAG repeat) and an expanded (>44 CAG repeat) HD gene. Expression of the HIP1 protein was found to be enriched in the brain. Analysis of the sequence of the HIP1 protein indicated that it includes a death effector domain (DED), suggesting an apoptotic function. Thus, it appears that a normal function of Huntingtin may be to bind HIP1 and related apoptosis modulators, reducing its effectiveness in stimulating cell death. Since expanded huntingtin performs this function less well, there is an increase in HIP1-modulated cell death in individuals with an expanded repeat in the HD gene. This understanding of the likely role of huntingtin and HIP1 or related proteins (collectively “HIP-apoptosis modulating proteins”) in the pathology of Huntington's Disease offers several possibilities for therapy.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for diversification of heterologous DNA sequences in vivo. The present invention employs a recombination hotspot functionally coupled to the heterologous DNA. The process of recombination generates new versions of the foreign sequences by recombining their differences in new combinations. Errors in recombination generate additional sequence diversity.

Abstract: The state of the extracellular matrix of discrete tissue subsegments can be determined via an approach that combines microdissection, reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction. Using this approach, a positive correlation between a fibrotic condition and alterations in messenger RNA levels of matrix components provides the basis for (i) the diagnosis of a fibrotic disease and (ii) the monitoring of the efficacy of a therapeutic regimen.

Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting fetal chromosomal aberrations by detecting statistically-significant differences between normal and aberrant chromosomes.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for making arrays of functionalized binding sites on a support surface. The invention further provides apparatus and methods for sequencing oligonucleotides and for identifying the amino acid sequence of peptides that bind to biologically active macromolecules, by specifically binding biologically active macromolecules to arrays of peptides or peptide mimetics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for the detection and exponential amplification of a target nucleic acid sequence. In a preferred embodiment, the methodology relies upon three oligonucleotide moieties: a Blocker moiety capable of hybridizing to a target sequence; a Primer moiety capable of hybridizing to the target sequence in an adjacent fashion to the Blocker moiety; and an End-Run moiety having a sequence which is complementary to the Blocker moiety. A ligation event between the hybridized Blocker and Primer moieties, followed by elongation of the End-Run moiety along the ligated Blocker and Primer moieties, provides multiple copies of target sequence such that during cyclical amplification, exponential amounts of the original target sequence are provided.

Abstract: A method for amplifying desired nucleic acid molecules by PCR which comprises the steps of isolating and purifying a group of nucleic acid molecules including desired nucleic acid molecules to be amplified, then carrying out PCR while establishing such a condition that the nucleic acid molecules capable of being amplified, except for primers, present in a PCR reaction solution are constituted by only the desired nucleic acid molecules and that the concentration of each primer used is limited to a level of not more than 100 nM; a method for producing a protein in a cell-free protein-synthesis system containing a cell-free extract which comprises using the nucleic acid of a single kind produced by the method described above and a method for establishing a protein library which comprises the steps of separately carrying out the method for amplifying desired nucleic acid molecules by PCR to obtain at least two kinds of nucleic acid molecules and separately carrying out the foregoing method for producing a protein

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods, compositions, kits and apparatus to identify and detect the presence or absence of target analytes. The embodiments of the present invention have utility in medical diagnosis and analysis of various chemical compounds in specimens and samples, as well as the design of test kits and apparatus for implementing such methods.

Abstract: Methods are provided for identifying nucleic acids. Methods of the invention are useful for identifying and analyzing nucleic acids, especially variants of single nucleotide polymorphisms, that are indicative of disease or the predisposition for disease.

Abstract: A method is provided for amplifying and detecting specific GC-rich nucleic acid sequences contained in a nucleic acid or in a mixture of nucleic acids, which includes treating a separate nucleic acid containing the specific sequence with a molar excess of primers and a polymerase and extending the primers in the presence of dATP, dCTP, TTP, and an analogue of dGTP. In one application of the present invention, individuals who are carriers for, or afflicted by, the fragile X syndrome are detected.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel monoclonal antibodies XI-4G6, XII-10E3 and XII-3B2, which are capable of recognizing bone alkaline phosphatase and not liver alkaline phosphatase. Methods and kits for using these antibodies in the determination of bone alkaline phosphatase are also described.

Abstract: This invention provides a duplex comprising an oligonucleotide primer and a template, wherein the primer is coupled chemically to a chromophore or fluorophore so as to allow chain extension by a polymerase. In one embodiment, the primer is extended by a polymerase to generate the complement of the template. In a further embodiment, the extended primer is separated from the template for use in a number of methods, including sequencing reactions. Methods of generating these compositions of matter are further provided.

Abstract: An article suitable for use as a biosensor includes a molecule of a formula X—R—Ch adhered to a surface of the article as part of a self-assembled monolayer. X is a functionality that adheres to the surface, R is a spacer moiety, and Ch is a chelating agent. A metal ion can be coordinated by the chelating agent, and a polyamino acid-tagged biological binding partner of a target biological molecule coordinated to the metal ion. A method of the invention involves bringing the article into contact with a medium containing or suspected of containing the target biological molecule and allowing the biological molecule to biologically bind to the binding partner. The article is useful particularly as a surface plasmon resonance chip.

Abstract: Pivotable jigs or tables facilitate inversion or reciprocation of one or more well plates relative to a dry DNA transfer sheet to effect deposit of DNA gene solution as spaced spots on the surface of the transfer media sequentially to produce after drying of the DNA gene solution spots transfer of the dry DNA material from the spots by forcible impact or rubbing pressure through a printing mechanism of minute dry DNA dots onto a test substrate such as a glass plate for subsequent analysis optically via fluorescent labels to determine the presence or absence of mutations and a further identification of the mutation itself.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of identifying a nucleic acid molecule having a sequence capable of targeting a gene of interest, and hence nucleic acid molecules useful in gene theraphy and disease treatment. A system and method for selecting antisense DNA oligonucleotide sequences that will form the most stable DNA:RNA hybrids within a given target mRNA sequence is provided. An apparatus capable of identifying a subject nucleic acid sequence capable of targeting a gene of interest is further provided. The apparatus includes the use of a software program and a computing unit. Methods for controlling gene expression are also provided.

Abstract: Novel extracts, proteins, and complexes are identified, purified, and analyzed, which improve the polymerization activity of nucleic acid polymerases. Included within the aspects of the invention are methods for identifying compositions with a polymerase enhancing activity, methods for purifying and using these compositions, and specific extracts, proteins, and complexes that function to enhance polymerase activity. Implications for numerous assays and techniques are described. For example, the invention can be used to enhance polymerase activity in a PCR process and to increase the sensitivity of a PCR-based assay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a plurality of polynucleotide probes. The composition can be used as hybridizable array elements in a microarray. The present invention also relates to a method for selecting polynucleotide probes for the composition.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for the detection and exponential amplification of target nucleic acid molecules are disclosed. The method generally employs a Primer Oligonucleotide which hybridizes in concert with a Blocker Oligonucleotide on a strand of the target molecule, and an End-Run Oligonucleotide which can hybridize to the Blocker Oligonucleotide.

Abstract: A method for linking strongly negatively charged biological macromolecules like deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA) and glycosaminoglycans (GAG) to plastic substrates, comprising contacting the macromolecules and the plastics with a non chaotropic solution containing a salt in an amount of at least 20% of its saturation concentration, or having a pH below the pKa of the charged groups of the macromolecules to be linked. Also disclosed are the products of the method, in particular a microtiter plate with plastic wells coated with the negatively charged non-proteinaceous macrobiomolecules.