Abstract: This invention relates generally to nucleic acid hybridization analysis. More specifically, oligonucleotide probes containing hairpin structures, or arrays of such oligonucleotide probes immobilized on a solid support, that are suitable for hybridization analysis are provided. Methods for nucleic acid hybridization analysis using the probes or array of immobilized probes are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for analyzing nucleic acids. In particular, the invention provides for methods and combinations for analyzing nucleic acids in a plurality of samples using a plurality of detectably different signature labels and a probe that is hybridizable to each of the target nucleic acids. The invention also provides for a method for quantifying a nucleic acid by analyzing the amount of a label, e.g., a photoactivatable label, attached to the target nucleic acid.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to nucleic acid hybridization analysis. More specifically, an oligonucleotide probe for hybridization analysis is provided, which probe comprises a nucleotide sequence that forms a hairpin structure having a double stranded segment and a single stranded loop, wherein at least a portion of said nucleotide sequences located within said double stranded segment and a portion of said nucleotide sequence located within said single stranded loop collectively form a region that is complementary to a target nucleotide sequence to be hybridized with. Arrays comprising the hairpin probes immobilized on a solid support and methods for nucleic acid hybridization analysis using the probes or array of immobilized probes are also provided. Methods for transcribing and/or amplifying a probe DNA sequence using a hairpin probe are further provided.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to nucleic acid hybridization analysis. More specifically, a method for detecting a point mutation in a DNA strand is provided, which method uses, inter alia, a test nucleic acid strand complementary to a target DNA strand, said nucleic acid strand comprises a sufficient number of ribonucleotide residues that span the position of said point mutation to be detected to form a target DNA strand/test nucleic acid strand duplex and RNase H cleavage of said target DNA strand/test nucleic acid strand duplex. Kits and arrays for detecting a point mutation in a DNA strand comprising test nucleic acid strand comprising a sufficient number of ribonucleotide residues that span the position of said point mutation to be detected are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes compositions and methods for releasing nucleic acids from cells in a form that is suitable for labeling/capture, amplification, or detection in a single reagent addition step. The compositions include a lipid, membrane fluidizing compound, enzyme for degrading cell structure, metal chelators, or one or more nucleic acid probes or primers complementary to the nucleic acid to be detected. The compositions are non-denaturing and non-inhibitory of enzymes or proteins that are used in nucleic acid release, amplification, labeling or detection. The invention also provides kits for performing the above methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of amplifying nucleic acids to minimize contamination by products of earlier amplification reactions. More particularly, it relates to methods of using nucleic acid labels that inhibit further amplification of the amplicon, and compositions that are useful to accomplish this task. In particular, the present invention relates to photoreactive complexes of a binding ligand, a binding enhancer and a label.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cocktail of reagents for nucleic acid amplification that are stabilized by inclusion of a reversible inhibitor of undesirable reactions. Such cocktail of reagents eliminates the requirement for separate preparation and quality control of each reagent used in a reaction. Methods to prepare stabilized cocktails and to use stabilized cocktails also are included. The stabilized cocktail compositions also can include reagents to release nucleic acid from cells and to label the nucleic acid, allowing detection of nucleic acid in a sample with a single reagent addition step. The invention also provides kits for performing the above methods.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to nucleic acid hybridization analysis. More specifically, oligonucleotide probes containing hairpin structures, or arrays of such oligonucleotide probes immobilized on a solid support, that are suitable for hybridization analysis are provided. Methods for nucleic acid hybridization analysis using the probes or array of immobilized probes are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes compositions and methods for releasing nucleic acids from cells in a form that is suitable for labeling/capture, amplification, or detection in a single reagent addition step. The compositions include a lipid, membrane fluidizing compound, enzyme for degrading cell structure, metal chelators, or one or more nucleic acid probes or primers complementary to the nucleic acid to be detected. The compositions are non-denaturing and non-inhibitory of enzymes or proteins that are used in nucleic acid release, amplification, labeling or detection. The invention also provides kits for performing the above methods.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of amplifying nucleic acids to minimize contamination by products of earlier amplification reactions. More particularly, it relates to methods of using nucleic acid labels that inhibit further amplification of the amplicon, and compositions that are useful to accomplish this task. In particular, the present invention relates to photoreactive complexes of a binding ligand, a binding enhancer and a label.