Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the detection of RNA in a sample, comprising (a) mixing a specific amount of a rod-shaped virus-like particle with a sample, wherein the rod-shaped virus-like particle comprises a ribonucleic acid molecule and a viral coat, wherein: (i) the ribonucleic acid molecule comprises an origin-of-assembly sequence of a rod-shaped RNA virus and a heterologous sequence; and (ii) the viral coat comprises at least one type of coat protein of the rod-shaped RNA virus; (b) isolating RNA from the sample; and (c) detecting RNA comprising the heterologous sequence.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods for the amplification of ribonucleic acids, including for example messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs). In an embodiment, the invention also relates to kits for amplifying ribonucleic acids, including for example mRNAs. In another embodiment, the invention relates to kits comprising the components for performing the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods for the amplification of ribonucleic acids, including for example messenger ribonucleic acids (mRNAs). In an embodiment, the invention also relates to kits for amplifying ribonucleic acids, including for example mRNAs. In another embodiment, the invention relates to kits comprising the components for performing the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the synthesis of nucleic acids, where incubation of a polymerase, a nucleic acid that can be used as a template for the polymerase, NTPs and Mn2+ is performed under conditions that enable the synthesis of a nucleic acid strand and the method is characterised by conditions that comprise a molar ratio of Mn2+/NTP of not more than 0.7.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for the amplification of ribonucleic acids, comprising the following steps: (a) a single stranded DNA is produced from an RNA by means of reverse transcription, using a single-stranded primer having a defined sequence, an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase and deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates; (b) the template RNA is removed; (c) a DNA duplex is produced by means of a single-stranded primer comprising a box sequence, a DNA polymerase and deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates; (d) the duplex is separated into single-stranded DNAs; (e) DNA duplexes are produced from one of the single-stranded DNAs obtained in step (d) by means of a single-stranded primer comprising a promoter sequence at its 5?end and the same defined sequence as the primer used in step (a) at its 3?end, a DNA polymerase and deoxyribonucleoside triphosphates; (f) a plurality of RNA single strands, both ends of which comprise defined sequences, are produced by means of an RNA polymerase and ribonucleoside triphosphates.

Abstract: The present application relates to processes resulting in the amplification of ribonucleic acids. The processes comprise the following steps: (a) using a single stranded primer, an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase and deoxyribonucleotide monomers to synthesize a single stranded DNA via reverse transcription of RNA; (b) removing of the RNA; (c) using a single stranded primer comprising a promoter sequence, a DNA polymerase and deoxyribonucleotide monomers to synthesize a double stranded DNA; (d) separating the double stranded DNA into single stranded DNAs; (e) using a single stranded primer comprising a promoter sequence, a DNA polymerase and deoxyribonucleotide monomers to synthesize double stranded DNA on the basis of the single stranded DNA obtained in (d); (f) using an RNA polymerase and ribonucleotide monomers to synthesize multiple single stranded RNAs.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method for detecting the presence of a catalytically active ribozyme in a medium. The detection of the catalytically active ribozyme may be a goal by itself, or the ribozyme may serve as a reporter for the presence of other biomolecules in an assayed sample. The detection is carried out in a catalytic system wherein the presence of the active ribozyme serves to produce other active ribozymes in a positive-feedback amplificatory manner.

Abstract: A method for detecting the presence of an assayed nucleic acid sequence in a sample is an essentially two stage-procedure. As illustrated, in a first stage the sample is reacted in a manner which gives rise to the production of a triggering oligonucleotide where the sample contains the assayed sequence. In the second stage, the reaction product is incubated under appropriate conditions with an amplification system whereby, in the presence of triggering oligonucleotide, a large amount of a nucleic acid product is obtained. The detection of this product thus indicates the presence of the assayed sequence in the sample.