Abstract: The present invention provides methods, compositions and kits for using an RNA polymerase for making transcription products corresponding to a target sequence by obtaining circular single-stranded DNA transcription substrates using a promoter primer that encodes one strand of a double-stranded promoter. The invention has broad applicability for research, diagnostic and therapeutic applications, such as preparing cDNA corresponding to mRNA, making sense or anti-sense probes, detecting gene- or organism-specific sequences, or making RNAi.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for amplifying a target sequence by strand displacement replication using strand-displacing primers. The method uses primers that have only ribonucleotides or purine ribonucleotides and at least one 2?-substituted pyrimidine-2?-deoxyribonucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for digesting DNA. In particular, the present invention provides enzymes mixtures that provide enhanced DNA digestion and methods of using the enzyme mixtures to eliminate or reduce undesired DNA molecules from a sample of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to kits and methods for efficiently generating 5? capped RNA having a modified cap nucleotide and for use of such modified-nucleotide-capped RNA molecules. The invention is used to obtain novel compositions of such modified-nucleotide-capped RNA molecules. In particular, the present invention provides kits and methods for capping RNA using a modified cap nucleotide and a capping enzyme system, such as poxvirus capping enzyme. The present invention finds use for in vitro production of 5?-capped RNA having a modified cap nucleotide and for in vitro or in vivo production of polypeptides by in vitro or in vivo translation of such modified-nucleotide-capped RNA for a variety of research, therapeutic, and commercial applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the identification of enzyme inhibitors. In particular, the present invention relates to the identification of nucleic acid polymerase inhibitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods employing 5?-phosphate-dependent nucleic acid exonucleases. In particular, the present invention provides kits and methods employing 5?-phosphate-dependent nucleic acid exonucleases for selective enrichment, isolation and amplification of a particular set of desired nucleic acid molecules from samples that also contain undesired nucleic acid molecules for a variety of uses. In preferred embodiments, the desired nucleic acid molecules comprise prokaryotic and/or eukaryotic mRNA.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits are disclosed for obtaining directionally truncated polypeptides by inserting a transposon. Preferably the transposon comprises a selectable marker and an ori, and optionally a promoter, a ribosome binding site and a translation start codon, into a target sequence in vitro or in vivo. Amplification products, varying in length depending on the transposon insertion site, are obtained using one primer that anneals to the target sequence and a second primer that anneals to the transposon. Amplification products are ligated to circular dsDNA, transformed into host cells, and individual colonies, each containing a directionally truncated clone of the target sequence, are obtained by plating on medium for which the selectable marker encodes resistance. Directionally truncated polypeptides encoded by the target sequence are obtained in vivo by inducing an RNAP in the host cells that uses the promoter or, in vitro by cell-free transcription and translation.

Abstract: An essentially pure preparation of thermostable RNase H isolated from Thermus flavus is disclosed. In one preferable form of the invention, the RNase H is capable of biological activity after incubation at temperatures equal to or greater than 70.degree. C. for at least ten minutes. The present invention is also a method of digesting RNA polymers that are in duplex form with a DNA molecule. The method comprises exposing the duplex to the isolated thermostable RNase H. The present invention is also a genetic construct capable of expressing a thermostable RNase H.