Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for identifying nucleotides at a variant site in a target molecule by forming fluorescence resonance energy transfer labeled product. The location and type of fluorescent labels in the labeled product provide strong signals and relatively high spectral purity that facilitate detection. Utilizing various secondary labels and different combinations of acceptor and donor labels, certain methods permit multiple analyses to be conducted simultaneously and at high throughput. The methods can be used in a variety of applications such as analyzing point mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). In addition, the methods have utility in other applications in which specific sequence information is of value, including detection of pathogens, paternity disputes, prenatal testing and forensic analysis.

Abstract: Genetic polymorphisms are identified in the human UGT2B4, UGT2B7 and UGT2B15 genes that alter UGT2B activity. Nucleic acids comprising the polymorphic sequences are used to screen patients for altered metabolism for UGT2B substrates, potential drug-drug interactions, and adverse/side effects, as well as diseases that result from environmental or occupational exposure to toxins. The nucleic acids are used to establish animal, cell and in vitro models for drug metabolism.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for determining the identity of a nucleotide at a variant site on a target nucleic acid. The methods begin with the template-dependent amplification of a target sequence under defined conditions to achieve selective incorporation of a nucleotide analog at the variant site. Amplification product is then subjected to limited degradation to create products having allele-specific sizes, which are subsequently separated on the basis of size. Finally, the number of products and their sizes is to assessed to determine the identity of the nucleotide(s) at the variant site and the genotype of the organism from which the target was obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for transferring small volume liquid samples between a microtiter plate or block having wells arranged in a given configuration to a plate or block having wells arranged in a differing configuration. In particular, the present invention provides systems and methods for transferring such liquid samples between a standard rectangular microtiter sample reaction/storage block having wells arranged in straight rows and a circular microchannel plate (MCP) having wells arranged in an arc. The system comprises a plurality of moveable arms, wherein each arm is adapted to hold a fluid sample dispensing tube having a distal end. The arms are positionable so that the distal ends of the held tubes can simultaneously access wells arranged in a substantially straight row, such as wells in a standard rectangular 96, 384, 1536 or 3456 well microtiter block. This allows the tubes to extract or aspirate the liquid from the wells.

Abstract: The present invention provides microfluidic systems and associated methods which allow material samples to be injected into an analysis channel independently of analysis techniques to reduce time required for testing. Such systems include an injector comprising channels which allow sample material to be loaded and injected into the analysis channel without interruption of analysis of the samples. Loading of the sample is performed within the microfluidic system without crossing or entering the analysis channel. The sample is then injected into the analysis channel at a desired time for testing or analysis. Thus, preparation time is significantly reduced so that overall testing time is largely dependent on actual analysis time. This is of particular import when a large number of samples are to be analyzed.

Abstract: A microcapillary channel having two opposite sides, wherein the opposite sides have different lengths over a straight portion of the channel.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and kits for determining the identity of a nucleotide at a variant site in a target nucleic acid of interest, including, for example, point mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms. The methods involve conducting template-dependent extension reactions in the presence of a mixture of nucleotides that include at least one labeled extendible nucleotide and at least one labeled non-extendible nucleotide that are selected to be complementary to the nucleotides that potentially occupy the variant site. The particular labeled nucleotide incorporated into the extension products is characteristic of the nucleotide at the variant site.