Abstract: Methods for assessing intermolecular interactions in vivo and in vitro are provided. Methods are provided for detecting protein-DNA interactions in vivo, in which a cell having a chimeric guide endonuclease molecule and a target nucleic acid is provided, and cleavage of the target nucleic acid by the chimeric guide endonuclease molecule is monitored. Cleavage by the chimeric guide molecule corresponds to binding of the guide domain to the target nucleic acid, or to a protein associated with the nucleic acid. The methods of the invention are adapted to cleavage of target nucleic acids, amplification of target nucleic acids, detection of target nucleic acids, screening of genomic target nucleic acid sequences for guide binding domains, and screening for modulators of chimeric guide binding domain activity. Also provided are methods for detecting interactions between other molecules, including hormones and receptors, enzymes and substrates, and the like.

Abstract: Methods for assessing intermolecular interactions in vivo and in vitro are provided. Methods are provided for detecting protein-DNA interactions in vivo, in which a cell having a chimeric guide endonuclease molecule and a target nucleic acid is provided, and cleavage of the target nucleic acid by the chimeric guide endonuclease molecule is monitored. Cleavage by the chimeric guide molecule corresponds to binding of the guide domain to the target nucleic acid, or to a protein associated with the nucleic acid. The methods of the invention are adapted to cleavage of target nucleic acids, amplification of target nucleic acids, detection of target nucleic acids, screening of genomic target nucleic acid sequences for guide binding domains, and screening for modulators of chimeric guide binding domain activity. Also provided are methods for detecting interactions between other molecules, including hormones and receptors, enzymes and substrates, and the like.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed to modify cellular sensitivity to genotoxic stress by introducing into a cell a biological macromolecule that alters phosphorylation of BRCA1 by Cds1. Such biological macromolecules may be used to enhance genotoxin-induced cell death, or alter genotoxin-induced gene expression. Alternatively, such biological macromolecules may be used to enhance cell survival following exposure to genotoxic agents. Methods are also disclosed for determining exposure to genotoxic stress by assessing the phosphorylation status of BRCA1, for example by using antibody molecules disclosed herein.

Abstract: A newly-characterized chromatin insulator element isolated from the DNA of a higher eukaryotic organism and contained in vector constructs is described. The insulator element of the invention comprises a DNA sequence which contains a 5' constitutive hypersensitive site whose functional activity and biochemical characterization as a pure insulator were previously unknown. A core DNA sequence having strong insulator activity is described. The insulator element, including the core sequence, have been demonstrated for the first time in mammalian cells to function to buffer or insulate an expressed gene from the activity of cis-acting regulatory elements, such as enhancers, in the surrounding chromatin or DNA.