Abstract: Disclosed are complexes of the NlK1 protein and proteins identified as interacting with the NlK1 protein (NlK1 protein-IPs). The NlK-1 interacting proteins include TrkA, protein phosphatase 1&agr;, 14-3-3&egr;, &agr;-tropomyosin, vimentin, p0071, Ini-1, and newly described proteins named IP-1, IP-2, IP-3, IP-4, and IP-5. Also described are derivatives, fragments analogs and homologs of these proteins. Methods of screening these complexes for efficacy in treating and/or preventing various diseases and disorders, particularly, neoplasia, neurodegenerative disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, viral infections and metabolic diseases and disorders are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses complexes of the Nlk1 protein with proteins identified as interacting with the Nlk1 protein (Nlk1 protein-IPs) by a modified, improved yeast two hybrid assay system. The proteins which were identified to interact with the Nlk1 protein, and thus form complexes, included: TrkA, protein phosphatase 1&agr;, 14-3-3&egr;, &agr;-tropomyosin, vimentin, p0071, Ini-1, IP-1, IP-2, IP-3, IP-4 and IP-5, as well as derivatives, fragments analogs and homologs thereof. Methodologies of screening these aforementioned complexes for efficacy in treating and/or preventing various diseases and disorders, particularly, neoplasia, neurodegenerative disease, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, viral infections and metabolic diseases and disorders are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods for reducing degradation of polymerase extension products in the presence of formamide, where the polymerase extension products comprise a nonradioactive detection moiety, are disclosed. The methods comprise adding a base, a buffer or a reducing agent to the polymerase extension products. Sequencing methods which generate polymerase extension products comprising a nonradioactive detection moiety are also disclosed, wherein the degradation of the extension products is reduced or eliminated by the addition of a base, a buffer, or a reducing agent. Compositions for reducing degradation of the above polymerase extension products are also disclosed, where the compositions comprise a base, a buffer, or a reducing agent. Kits for performing sequencing methods are also disclosed, wherein the degradation of polymerase extension products is reduced or eliminated. The kits comprise a base, a buffer, or a reducing agent, and instructions.

Abstract: Method for affecting viability of a eucaryotic cell by contacting the cell with a modulator of the activity of a PIF-1-type helicase in the cell. Such contacting specifically increases or decreases the specific activity of the helicase in the cell.