Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions, and kits for storing and enhancing the activity of thermostable polymerases. The methods comprise mixing a thermostable polymerase with at least one zwitterionic detergent or non-detergent surfactant. Compositions and kits for performing the process according to the invention are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automated system for purification of a substance of interest. The system generally comprises an instrument for moving fluids through the system, a reagent pack for storing fluids, and a purification cartridge. The cartridge comprises two filtration units for binding substances based on different physical properties. The cartridge also comprises rotary valves for control of movement of fluids on the cartridge. In preferred embodiments, the system is useful for purifying RNA from blood samples.

Abstract: The invention provides improved methods of introducing site-directed mutations into circular DNA molecules of interest by means of mutagenic primer pairs. The mutagenic primer pairs are also selected so as to be either completely complementary or partially complementary to each other, wherein the mutation site (or sites) is located within the region of complementarity. A mutagenic primer pair is annealed to opposite strands of a circular DNA molecule containing the DNA sequence to be mutagenized. After annealing, first and second mutagenized DNA strands, each incorporating a member of the mutagenic oligonucleotide primer pair is synthesized by a linear cyclic amplification reaction. After the linear cyclic amplification mediated synthesis step is completed, the reaction mixture is treated with a selection enzyme that digests the parental template strands. After the digesting step, a double-stranded circular DNA intermediate is formed.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for lysing cells, storing nucleic acids, amplifying nucleic acids, and analyzing nucleic acids. Among other things, the compositions, methods, and kits are suitable for one-step lysis and amplification of nucleic acid sequences of interest. In general, the compositions comprise TCEP and a non-ionic surfactant, such as Triton X-100.

Abstract: The invention provides for polynucleotides and vectors comprising at least two tag sequences. In particular, preferred vectors are viral vectors. The invention also provides for polynucleotides and vectors comprising a streptavidin binding peptide sequence and a calmodulin binding peptide sequence. The invention also provides for polynucleotides and vectors wherein a gene of interest is fused in frame to at least two tag sequences, for example, a streptavidin binding peptide sequence and a calmodulin binding peptide sequence. The invention also provides for methods of using the polynucleotides and vectors of the invention for detecting and/isolating protein complexes or identifying a binding partner for a protein of interest.

Abstract: The invention provides for polynucleotides and vectors comprising at least two tag sequences. The invention also provides for polynucleotides and vectors comprising a streptavidin binding peptide sequence and a calmodulin binding peptide sequence. The invention also provides for polynucleotides and vectors wherein a gene of interest is fused in frame to at least two tag sequences, for example, a streptavidin binding peptide sequence and a calmodulin binding peptide sequence. The invention also provides for the chimeric proteins encoded by these polynucleotides. The invention also provides for methods of using the polynucleotides of the invention for detecting and/isolating protein complexes or identifying a binding partner for a protein of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chemically reactive surface able to covalently react with substances containing a hydroxyl group and/or amine group, comprising a solid surface having an activated dendrimer polyamine covalently bonded to said surface through a silane containing reagent, wherein the dendrimer polyamine can covalently bind the substance comprising a hydroxyl group and/or amino group. The present invention further provides a method for producing chemically reactive surfaces for binding moieties comprising a hydroxyl group and/or amine group, as well as kits comprising the chemically reactive surface of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to functionalized nucleotides that permit the covalent linkage of the nucleotides to moieties containing reactive groups complementary to the functional group. More specifically, the invention relates to nucleotides comprising a functional group attached to the nucleobase that permits the covalent attachment of the nucleotides or a nucleic acid comprising such nucleotides to detectable moieties, polypeptides and solid supports. The invention further relates to nucleic acids comprising such functionalized nucleotides, methods of labeling nucleic acids with such nucleotides, and kits comprising such nucleotides.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel platinum-based compounds for labeling biomolecules. Platinum based labeling compounds according to the invention irreversibly attach to a target biomolecule via coordination of a platinum (II) metal center with N or S atoms on the target biomolecule. The invention relates to the novel compounds themselves, methods of making the platinum-based labeling compounds, probes labeled with such compounds, methods of making such labeled probes, and kits comprising the novel platinum-based labeling compounds and/or probes labeled with them. The invention also relates to methods of using probes labeled with platinum-based labeling compounds of the invention, particularly array and microarray hybridization methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel platinum-based compounds for labeling biomolecules. Platinum based labeling compounds according to the invention irreversibly attach to a target biomolecule via coordination of a platinum (II) metal center with N or S atoms on the target biomolecule. The invention relates to the novel compounds themselves, methods of making the platinum-based labeling compounds, probes labeled with such compounds, methods of making such labeled probes, and kits comprising the novel platinum-based labeling compounds and/or probes labeled with them. The invention also relates to methods of using probes labeled with platinum-based labeling compounds of the invention, particularly array and microarray hybridization methods.