Abstract: A method for determining the level of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein in a whole blood or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) sample, for example, a whole blood lysate sample or a CSF sample, including obtaining a whole blood or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) sample from the subject and conducting an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay to determine the level of SMN in the whole blood or cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) sample.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for detecting RNA polymerase activity in a continuous-read manner. Specifically, the invention provides a method for detecting the de novo polymerase activity of the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) polymerase, NS5B, in a continuous-read manner. The invention also provides a method of screening for modulators of RNA polymerase activity. More specifically, the invention provides a method of screening for modulators of HCV NS5B activity.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel methods of using elongation factor p (efp) and related constituents of ribosomal complexes which comprise efp, the 50S ribosomal subunit, the 30S ribosomal subunit, the 70S initiation complex, and related proteins, cofactors and enzymes. Methods of identifying compounds which modulate prokaryotic elongation factor p and modify cell function are described. Both in vitro and in vivo methods for identifying compounds which modulate such constituents and affect cell function are described. Such identified compounds, including various antibiotics, which specifically affect cell growth, methods of treating various disorders with such compounds, and antiseptics containing such compounds are described. The present invention is also directed to methods and compounds that modulate prokaryotic elongation factor p.