Abstract: This invention provides for a novel amplification procedure for nucleic acid. The method uses a mutant RNA polymerase designed to transcribe deoxynucleotides. Using primers that bind to target nucleic acid the primers form polymerase recognition sites that permit transcription of the target in an isothermal and logrithmic manner, with the added advantage of forming multiple single stranded copies, which are readily detected by hybridization assays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a means to identify the alleles present in a DNA-containing sample by providing subsets of loci for amplification by multiplex PCR. The loci include the thirteen CODIS short tandem repeat (STR) loci and amelogenin. The loci within each subset are grouped so that, upon PCR amplification, the amplicons produced within a given subset do not overlap. Differential labeling of subsets makes it possible to further group the subsets into compound multiplexes for co-amplification in a single reaction vessel, and analysis in a single electrophoretic channel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the detection of sulphate-reducing bacteria in a sample which is likely to contain them, the said method comprising the extraction of the DNA or of the RNA from the said sample and the detection of at least one fragment of the APS reductase gene or at least one fragment of the mRNA transcribed from the APS reductase gene, an indicator of the presence of sulphate-reducing bacteria in the said sample.

Abstract: The invention concerns the genomic sequence of the FLAP gene. The invention also concerns biallelic markers of a FLAP gene and the association established between these markers and diseases involving the leukotriene pathway such as asthma. The invention provides means to determine the predisposition of individuals to diseases involving the leukotriene pathway as well as means for the diagnosis of such diseases and for the prognosis/detection of an eventual treatment response to agents acting on the leukotriene pathway.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the typing of HLA alleles. The sequence of exon 2 and exon 3 of the alleles HLA-B*3913, HLA-B*1406 and HLA-B*51new and of exon 2 of the alleles HLA-DRB1*0820, HLA-DRB1*04new and HLA-DRB4*01new are disclosed. The present invention also relates to methods of typing of such alleles. According to a particular embodiment, typing of alleles is achieved by: i) amplifying a relevant fragment of the alleles with at least one suitable set of primers; ii) hybridizing the amplification product of step i) to at least one probe that specifically hybridizes to a target region comprising one or more polymorphic nucleotides in said relevant fragment; and iii) determining from the result of step ii) the absence or presence of the alleles in the sample. The present invention further provides primers and probes to be used in such methods of typing alleles. Diagnostic kits comprising such primers and probes are also included within the invention.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for sequencing and amplifying nucleic acid templates wherein a degenerate primer with a fixed sequence region and a random sequence region is utilized. By determining the statistical expectancy of the fixed sequence in the nucleic acid template, this determines the average length of a nucleic acid template that can be sequenced. During the annealing of such a primer with the nucleic acid template, the fixed sequence determines where the complete primer binds by binding to its complementary sequence on the nucleic acid template. The random sequence regions of the primers make it possible for the presence of a unique sequence adjacent to the fixed sequence to be present, thus providing a primer with full complementarity with the nucleic acid template.

Abstract: This specification relates to the field of molecular biology and provides novel methods and reagents for preserving and protecting the ribonucleic acid (RNA) content of samples from degradation prior to RNA isolation. This preservation may be accomplished without ultra-low temperature storage or disruption of the tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, where the method includes forming a cleavage structure by incubating a sample containing a target nucleic acid sequence with a nucleic acid polymerase and cleaving the cleavage structure with a FEN nuclease to generate a cleaved nucleic acid fragment. The invention also relates to methods of detecting or measuring a target nucleic acid sequence, where the method includes forming a cleavage structure by incubating a target nucleic acid sequence with a nucleic acid polymerase, cleaving the cleavage structure with a FEN nuclease and detecting or measuring the release of a fragment.

Abstract: The invention concerns scintillation proximity assays performed in multiwell plates where a charge coupled device is used to image the wells. Conventional phosphors emit blue light (350-450 nm) which is absorbed by yellow or brown assay components. This problem is addressed by the use of phosphors that emit radiation of longer wavelength (480-900 nm).

Abstract: The invention provides a high efficiency method for combined immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization. In one aspect, the method is used to simultaneously determining a cell phenotype and genotype by contacting a cell with an antigen-specific antibody bound to a ligand, contacting the cell with polynucleotide probe to form a complex of the probe and a nucleic acid in the cell, contacting the cell with a detectably labeled anti-ligand, and detecting the polynucleotide-probe complex and the anti-ligand-ligand complex. The presence of the anti-ligand is correlated with the presence of the antigen and the presence of the probe-nucleic acid complex is correlated with the presence of the nucleic acid in the cell.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule containing a a repeat region of an isolated spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) coding sequence, the coding sequence located within the long arm of chromosome 13, and the complement of the nucleic acid molecule. Diagnostic methods based on identification of this repeat region are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of identifying therapeutic compounds in a genetically defined setting. The method consists of contacting a cell indicative of a pathological condition from a diseased individual and a cell from a genetically related normal individual with a plurality of candidate therapeutic compounds under suitable assay conditions, and identifying a compound that preferentially alters a predetermined property of the cell from the diseased individual.

Abstract: Methods of identifying DNA fragments comprising DNA that is identical by descent for two individuals are disclosed.

Abstract: The cellular effects of potentially therapeutic compounds are characterized in mammalian cells and yeast. In the latter case the effects can be characterized on a genome-wide scale by monitoring changes in messenger RNA levels in treated cells with high-density oligonucleotide probe arrays.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in cell-free systems for initiating DNA replication under cell cycle control. The system comprises a synchronous population of G1 nuclei which have been released from G0; and S phase cytosol. In a preferred aspect, a polypeptide is supplied to the system, wherein the polypeptide is Cdc6 and/or at least one MCM protein. The system is suitable for DNA replication assays, for example to test substances which modulate DNA replication.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the fields of oligonucleotide synthesis. More particularly, it concerns the assembly of genes and genomes of completely synthetic artificial organisms. Thus, the present invention outlines a novel approach to utilizing the results of genomic sequence information by computer directed gene synthesis based on computing on the human genome database. Specifically, the present invention contemplates and describes the chemical synthesis and resynthesis of genes defined by the genome sequence in a host vector and transfer and expression of these sequences into suitable hosts.

Abstract: Isolated DNA encoding a nematode guanylyl cyclase chemoreceptor is disclosed. Preferably, the encoded nematode guanylyl cyclase chemoreceptor is selected from the group consisting of order Tylenchida and order Aphelenchida chemoreceptors. Also disclosed are vectors and cells containing the DNA, the encoded proteins, oligonucleotides that bind thereto, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and reagents for the selection of protein molecules that make use of RNA-protein fusions.

Abstract: A sample preparation apparatus for DNA analysis comprises a holder for separating specific primers on the basis of size, color, weight, dimension, or degree of magnetization, the specific primers having base sequences complementary to a plurality of DNA fragments to be amplified via PCR, and the specific primers being capable of binding respectively to the DNA fragments; and a reaction-solution-holding plate having a concavity which accommodates one edge of the holder and a PCR solution containing a common primer capable of hybridizing with the base sequence of an oligonucleotide introduced into the 5′-end of each of the DNA fragments, and the DNA fragments.

Abstract: A method and mechanism for ensuring quality control in printed biological assays is provided. A multi-ejector system having a plurality of individual drop ejectors is loaded with a variety of biofluids. Biofluids include at least a carrier fluid, a biological material to be used in the testing, and markers, such as fluorescent dyes. Data regarding the biofluid loaded in each of the drop ejectors is stored along with an expected signature output of the biofluid. Particularly, the signature output represents signals from individual ones of the fluorescent markers included within the biofluid. Once a biological assay consisting of the biofluid drops has been printed, a scanner capable of detecting the markers scans the biological assay and obtains signature output signals for each of the drops of the biological assay.