Abstract: The present invention features "promoter-sequestered" oligonucleosides and the use of such oligonucleosides to achieve "target-triggered" amplification. A promoter-sequestered oligonucleoside contains a contiguous nucleic acid sequence which forms a stem-loop structure in the absence of a target sequence. The stem-loop structure contains a single-stranded loop region and a double-stranded stem region. The single-stranded loop contains all, or a portion of, an RNA polymerase promoter sequence. The stem is produced from two substantially complementary nucleic acid sequences able to form an intramolecular hybrid. The secondary structure of the stem decreases the accessibility of the loop promoter sequence to form a functional double-stranded promoter.

Abstract: A plasmid for expression of Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus-derived reverse transcriptase in E. coli cells deficient in the expression of indiginous RNAse activity, a method for purification of the recombinant enzyme, and a composition comprising a cloned and purified reverse transcriptase opimized for use in cDNA and nucleic acid amplification procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel methods for identifying gene expression patterns in mRNA populations. The methods are useful for determining differential gene expression among various cells or tissues, including cells or tissues of a target organism. The invention also provides methods of determining the frequency of gene expression in mRNA populations, thus providing a method of comparing gene expression frequency among various cells or tissues. The present invention also provides methods for isolating genes corresponding to tag sequences identified according to the methods of the present invention. Furthermore, sequences that are identified according to the present invention may be used to diagnose the presence of disease.

Abstract: A plasmid for expression of Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus-derived reverse transcriptase in E. coli cells deficient in the expression of indiginous RNAse activity, a method for purification of the recombinant enzyme, and a composition comprising a cloned and purified reverse transcriptase opimized for use in cDNA and nucleic acid amplification procedures.

Abstract: Composition and methods for the expression of recombinant DNA polymerase enzymes derived from Bacillus stearothermophilus. The present invention also concerns methods for purifying recombinant Bst DNA polymerase enzymes, compositions containing the purified enzymes in a form suitable for conducting biochemical reactions, and methods for using the purified enzymes.

Abstract: Methods and kits for the use of a non-ionic detergent to suppress enzyme inhibition in a reaction solution due to the presence of inhibiting ionic detergent. Prior to reaction, the reaction mixure is given an effective amount of a non-ionic detergent, and agitated. The enzyme is then added, and the enzymatic reaction is the allowed to proceed. Also disclosed are preferred embodiments of the present invention, and kits for nucleic acid amplification of a biological sample in the presence of an ionic detergent.

Abstract: A method of screening for binding partners of a specific molecule. The method employs a chimeric protein having at least two different binding regions; one containing at least a portion of the specific molecule or an analog thereof, and the other containing a binding region of an immunoglobulin chain. In a preferred embodiment, the method is used for rapidly screening member compounds of a combinatorial library for potential biological activity.