Abstract: The invention relates to methods of monitoring the amplification of one or more nucleic acid sequences of interest. More particularly, the invention relates to methods of monitoring the amplification of sequences of interest in real time. The methods disclosed herein provide methods for monitoring the amplification of one sequence or two or more sequences from a single sample, as well as methods for monitoring the amplification of one or more than one sequence from two or more samples. The monitoring methods of the invention permit improved determination of the abundance of one or more target nucleic acids, especially target RNA species, in one or more original samples.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods and systems for dynamic transcription profiling of two or more samples. The method of the invention comprises the uses of sample-specific primers for cDNA synthesis and for subsequent amplification of the synthesized cDNAs. The levels of abundance of genes are compared between samples for the identification of differentially expressed genes.

Abstract: The invention relates to fluorescent dyes. More particularly, the invention relates to fluorescent cyanine dyes, and especially to water soluble fluorescent cyanine dyes that contain additional sites for attachment to biomolecules. The invention provides a group of novel, water soluble fluorescent cyanine dyes that have distinct fluorescence characteristics that permit their use in any assay or method suited to water soluble fluorescent dyes, and especially to assays requiring a plurality of distinguishable fluorescent markers. The invention further relates to nucleotides, nucleosides, polynucleotides and polypeptides labeled with novel fluorescent cyanine dyes according to the invention, and methods of using them.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for selecting, from a repertoire of polypeptides, a population of functional polypeptides which bind a target ligand in a first binding site and a generic ligand in a second binding site, which generic ligand is capable of binding functional members of the repertoire regardless of target ligand specificity, comprising the steps of: a) contacting the repertoire with the generic ligand and selecting functional polypeptides bound thereto; and b) contacting the selected functional polypeptides with the target ligand and selecting a population of polypeptides which bind to the target ligand. The invention accordingly provides a method by which a polypeptide repertoire is preselected, according to functionality as determined by the ability to bind the generic ligand, and the subset of polypeptides obtained as a result of such preselection is then employed for further selection according to the ability to bind the target ligand.

Abstract: The invention relates to zinc-containing antiviral compositions and methods of treating viral infections. More specifically, the invention provides compositions and methods useful for ameliorating the symptoms of individuals suffering from infection with a broad range of viruses. Examples of viruses against which the compounds of the invention are active include rhinoviruses, varicella zoster, immunodeficiency viruses, including HIV.