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 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 present invention provides oligonucleotide primers, compositions, methods, and kits for determining the amount of gDNA or the number of cells from which a cell lysate originated. The invention relies on detection and amplification of unique genomic sequences within the genome of an organism of interest to determine the amount of genomic nucleic acid in a sample. The invention can be used to normalize samples from particular cells, cell types, or organism, and provide an accurate basis for comparison of expression of genes across the samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions, methods, and kits for lysing cells, storing nucleic acids, amplifying nucleic, 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 detergent, such as Triton X-100.

Abstract: The present invention provides oligonucleotide primers, compositions, methods, and kits for determining the number of cells from which a cell lysate originated. The invention relies on detection and amplification of unique genomic sequences within the genome of an organism of interest to determine the amount of genomic nucleic acid in a sample. The invention can be used to normalize samples from particular cells, cell types, or organism, and provide an accurate basis for comparison of expression of genes across the samples.

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.