Abstract: Methods for identification or detection of a species of an organism or a group of related species of an organism by species non-specific amplification of a target sequence followed by species- or group-specific detection of the amplification products. Also provided are a target sequence which is amplifiable in multiple species of mycobacteria using a single pair of amplification primers and species- and group-specific detector probes for hybridization to the assay regioin of the amplified target. Blocking oligonucleotides are employed to allow discrimination among species in which the amplified target sequences are sufficiently similar that they cross-hybridize to an assay probe.

Abstract: This invention relates a nucleic acid target amplification and detection method which operates at a single temperature and makes use of a polymerase in conjunction with an endonuclease that will nick the polymerized strand such that the polymerase will displace the strand without digestion while generating a newly polymerized strand.

Abstract: .alpha.-Boronated deoxynucleoside triphosphates, when incorporated into a double-stranded restriction endonuclease recognition/cleavage site for a restriction endonuclease, induce nicking by the restriction endonuclease. .alpha.-Boronated deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTP.alpha.BH.sub.3) are therefore useful as nucleotide analogs in SDA to produce the nickable hemimodified restriction endonuclease recognition/cleavage site required to sustain the amplification reaction.

Abstract: Compositions and processes for isolation or purification of DNA are provided. The compositions are hydroxylated silica polymers produced by reacting silicon dioxide with an alkaline solution, followed by acidification. The hydroxylated silicas produced by this process can be used to bind DNA in aqueous solutions, without the need for binding reagents such as alcohols or chaotropes. The bound DNA may then be separated from the solution and eluted into water or a buffer by heating.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides which form G-quartet structures have been found to be useful in fluorescence assays to detect a selected nucleic acid sequence. When one end of the oligonucleotide is labeled with a donor fluorophore and the other end is labeled with an acceptor dye, the folding of the molecule in the G-quartet structure brings the donor-acceptor pair into close proximity, allowing an interaction between the two labels which results in quenching of donor fluorescence or a change in other fluorescence properties which are the result of the interaction of two dyes in close proximity. The G-quartet structure unfolds upon hybridization to its complementary sequence, increasing the distance between the two dye labels. This results in decreased donor quenching or a change in another proximity-related fluorescence parameter. The associated increase in donor fluorescence intensity or the change in another fluorescence parameter may be monitored as an indication of the presence of a selected nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: Stabilized microspherical particles having hydrophobic liquid cores prepared as oil-in-water microemulsions. The particles are stabilized by a surface layer comprising an amphiphilic compound and may be functionalized to allow covalent coupling of a ligand to the surface of the particle. When used as tracers in assays, a water insoluble dye may be incorporated in the core liquid of the microparticles.

Abstract: A human brain glycoprotein homologous to the mouse F3 and the chicken contactin/F11 adhesion molecules, nucleic acid sequences encoding the human brain glycoprotein and antibodies directed against the human brain glycoprotein.

Abstract: Human restrictin proteins and nucleic acid sequences encoding them are provided. Antibodies which recognize human restrictin in human brain are disclosed. In the human brain, restrictin occurs as two major polypeptides of 180 and 160 kD located in fiber tracts. These polypeptides are similar to those seen in rat brain. Surprisingly, restrictin has also been found in the peripheral nerves of rats and humans. The antibodies also detect a 170 kD polypeptide in MATRIGEL, an extracellular matrix product of rat EHS sarcoma cells widely used as a tissue culture substrate. Monoclonal antibodies to human restrictin and assays using the human restrictin protein, antibodies and DNA sequences are also provided.

Abstract: Amplification primers and methods are disclosed for complex-specific amplification of target sequences in the dnaJ genes of the Mycobacterium Avium Complex species. Also provided are assay probes for detection of the amplification products and/or identification of the MAC species which is present.

Abstract: Amplification primers and methods for complex-specific amplification of target sequences in the dnaJ genes of the Mycobacterium avium Complex (MAC) species are disclosed. The primer target binding sequences are useful for amplification of the dnaJ target in a variety of amplification reactions, with detection of the complex-specific target and, optionally, identification of the MAC species from which the target is derived. Primers and methods for multiplex amplification of dnaJ and a second target are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-N-CAM monoclonal antibody which enhances, rather than inhibits, neurite outgrowth both in vitro and in vivo. The antibody has positive regulatory effects on nerve cells of both the central and peripheral nervous systems, and is useful for enhancing neurite outgrowth in in vitro studies and for improving nerve regeneration and repair in vivo.

Abstract: Antibodies which recognize and bind to histidine rich protein II of Plasmodium falciparum. These antibodies exhibit improved specificity and affinity for the antigen which provides enhanced sensitivity in immunoassays. Peptides useful for generation of the antibodies are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an anti-N-CAM monoclonal antibody which enhances, rather than inhibits, neurite outgrowth both in vitro and in vivo. The antibody has positive regulatory effects on nerve cells of both the central and peripheral nervous systems, and is useful for enhancing neurite outgrowth in in vitro studies and for improving nerve regeneration and repair in vivo.

Abstract: Strand Displacement Amplification methods (thermophilic SDA) which can be performed over a broad temperature range (37.degree. C. to 70.degree. C.). The preferred temperature range for thermophilic SDA is 50.degree. C. to 70.degree. C. It has been found that certain thermophilic restriction endonucleases are capable of nicking the hemimodified restriction endonuclease recognition/cleavage site as required by SDA and dissociating from the site. It has further been found that certain thermophilic polymerases are capable of extending from the nick while displacing the downstream strand. Thermophilic SDA, because of reaction temperatures higher than previously possible with conventional SDA enzyme systems, has improved specificity and efficiency, reduced nonspecific background amplification, and potentially improved yields of amplification products.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting amplified or unamplified nucleic acid target sequences at increased temperatures by changes in fluorescence polarization. The decrease in fluorescence polarization associated with hybridization of oligonucleotides at higher, more stringent, temperatures is overcome by including a double-stranded DNA binding protein in the assay. At elevated temperatures, the double-stranded DNA binding protein restores, and often enhances, the magnitude of the change in fluorescence polarization associated with single- to double-stranded conversion of an oligonucleotide probe or primer.

Abstract: Human restrictin proteins and nucleic acid sequences encoding them are provided. Antibodies which recognize human restrictin in human brain are disclosed. In the human brain, restrictin occurs as two major polypeptides of 180 and 160 kD located in fiber tracts. These polypeptides are similar to those seen in rat brain. Surprisingly, restrictin has also been found in the peripheral nerves of rats and humans The antibodies also detect a 170 kD polypeptide in MATRIGEL, an extracellular matrix product of rat EHS sarcoma cells widely used as a tissue culture substrate. Monoclonal antibodies to human restrictin and assays using the human restrictin protein, antibodies and DNA sequences are also provided.

Abstract: Stabilized microspherical particles having hydrophobic liquid cores prepared as oil-in-water microemulsions. The particles are stabilized by a surface layer comprising an amphiphilic compound and may be functionalized to allow covalent coupling of a ligand to the surface of the particle. When used as tracers in assays, a water insoluble dye may be incorporated in the core liquid of the microparticles.

Abstract: Mycobacteriophage DS6A has been characterized and found to specifically infect all species of the TB complex, without any detectable infection of mycobacteria species other than those of the TB complex. DNA sequence analysis revealed several potential open reading frames, including one encoding a protein analogous to gp37 of mycobacteriophage L5 and a second encoding a protein with significant homology to the S. coelicolor DNA polymerase .beta. subunit. Based on the DNA sequence analysis, cloning sites can be identified for insertion of reporter genes, making DS6A useful as a reporter phage for specific detection and identification of species of the TB complex.

Abstract: Thermophilic Strand Displacement Amplification (tSDA) for amplification of nucleic acid target sequences in situ in cells in suspension, on slides or in tissues is described. Excellent specimen morphology is preserved, and either DNA targets, RNA targets, or both may be selectively amplified. In situ amplification by tSDA is compatible with immunochemical techniques, so that both amplification of target sequences and immunological staining can be performed on the same specimen.

Abstract: Methods for multiplex amplification of target nucleic acid sequences using a single pair of primers. Defined sequences are appended to the ends of multiple target sequences as part of the amplification reaction so that no steps in addition to amplification are required. The target sequences with the appended defined sequences need not be isolated prior to amplification. In one embodiment for coamplification of two target sequences, a sequence corresponding to a terminal segment of the first target sequence is appended to one end of the second target sequence and a sequence corresponding to a terminal segment of the second target sequence is appended to one end of the first target sequence. Amplification of the two targets then requires only a single pair of primers. Alternatively, a single defined sequence may be appended to the 5' and 3' ends of any number of selected targets. All such modified target sequences may then be amplified using a single pair of primers which hybridize to the defined end-sequences.