Abstract: This invention relates to methods for isolating highly purified mixtures of natural Type I interferon from white blood cells. The invention also relates to highly-purified mixtures of Type I interferon which resemble natural Type I interferon in that the highly purified mixtures of natural Type I interferon includes at least 9 subtypes, i.e., alpha-1, alpha-2, alpha-5, alpha-7, alpha-8, alpha-10, alpha-14, alpha-21 and omega, giving rise to at least 16, and possibly 20 or more molecular species, including alpha-1a, alpha-1new, alpha-2a, alpha-2b, alpha-2c, alpha-5, alpha-5LG, alpha-7, alpha-8a, alpha-8c, alpha-10a, alpha-14a, alphal4-b, alpha 14-c, alpha-14LG, alpha-21a, alpha-21b, alpha-21c, omega and omega LG.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for isolating highly-purified mixtures of natural type I interferons from white blood cells. The invention also relates to highly-purified mixtures of natural type I interferons which resemble natural type I interferon in that it includes 9 subtypes, i.e., alpha-1, alpha-2, alpha-5, alpha-7, alpha-8, alpha-10, alpha-14, alpha-21 and omega, giving rise to possibly 20 molecular species, including alpha-1a, alpha-1new, alpha-2a, alpha-2b, alpha-2c, alpha-5, alpha-5LG, alpha-7, alpha-8a, alpha-8c, alpha-10a, alpha-14a, alpha14-b, alpha 14-c, alpha-14LG, alpha-21a, alpha-21b, alpha-21c, omega and omega LG.

Abstract: A method of protein removal is provided, which utilizes a protein digesting enzyme and a detergent that is compatible with ultrafiltration. The method is particularly suited for isolating trace amounts of nucleic acid from a solution that has high protein concentration. The recovered nucleic acid is free of protein that may interfere with downstream application such as nucleic acid quantification or diagnostic use. A kit suitable for use in the protein removal method is also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for attaching detectable labels to the N.sup.7 -formyl group, of imidazole ring-opened alkylated purines and purine derivatives, directly, through a linking group, or by subsequent derivatization of a blocking group. The invention provides simple and efficient methods for labeling polynucleotides. In addition, the invention provides derivatized ring-opened alkylated purines and purine derivatives, including reagents for chemical and enzymatic synthesis of detectably labeled polynucleotides.

Abstract: The invention provides methods for attaching detectable labels to the N.sup.7 -formyl group, of imidazole ring-opened alkylated purines and purine derivatives, directly, through a linking group, or by subsequent derivatization of a blocking group. The invention provides simple and efficient methods for labeling polynucleotides. In addition, the invention provides derivatized ring-opened alkylated purines and purine derivatives, including reagents for chemical and enzymatic synthesis of detectably labeled polynucleotides.