Abstract: A denaturation fingerprinting method (dnF) involves subjecting a nucleic acid segment of interest to bidirectional cycle sequencing using oppositely oriented primers and incorporating two different dideoxynucleotides (ddNTPs) in the sequencing reaction. The resulting fragments are separated by denaturing electrophoresis. In one embodiment, designated dnF2R, reactions and electrophoretic separation using the two ddNTPs are conducted separately. In an alternative embodiment, designated dnF1R, one of the ddNTPs has a mobility altering modification such that electorphoretic separation occurs when both ddNTPs are employed in the same reaction. The methods are useful for detecting genetic mutations.

Abstract: Mixed-bed solid phases are provided, with methods for using such solid phases to isolate target nucleic acids, such as plasmid DNA, chromosomal DNA, RNA, or nucleic acids generated by enzymatic amplification from contaminants, including proteins, lipids, cellular debris, or other nucleic acids. The mixed-bed solid phases of this invention are mixtures of at least two different solid phases, each of which has a capacity to bind to the target nucleic acid under different solution conditions, and the capacity to release the nucleic acid under similar elution conditions. By exchanging solution conditions according to the methods of this invention, one can remove contaminants from the target nucleic acid bound to the mixed-bed solid phase, then elute the target nucleic acid in an elution buffer.

Abstract: A method of detecting a nucleic acid (e.g., DNA, RNA) that contains at least one preselected base (e.g., adenine, guanine, 6-mercaptoguanine, 8-oxo-guanine, and 8-oxo-adenine) comprises (a) reacting the nucleic acid with a transition metal complex capable of oxidizing the preselected base in an oxidation-reduction reaction; (b) detecting the oxidation-reduction reaction; and (c) determining the presence or absence of the nucleic acid from the detected oxidation-reduction reaction at the preselected base. The method may be used in a variety of applications, including DNA sequencing, diagnostic assays, and quantitative analysis.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the modulation of expression of the human ras gene in both the normal and activated forms. Oligonucleotides are provided that have methylene(methylimino) linkages alternating with phosphorothioate or phosphodiester linkages. Further oligonucleotides are provide that have a first region having a methylene(methylimino) linkage alternating with a phosphorothioate or phosphodiester linkage and a second region having phosphorothioate linkages. Such oligonucleotides can be used for diagnostics as well as for research purposes including methods for diagnosis, detection and treatment of conditions arising from the activation of the H-ras gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermostable DNA polymerase-associated factor capable of enhancing DNA synthesizing-activity of a DNA polymerase; a thermostable DNA polymerase-associated factor possessing an activity of binding to a DNA polymerase and a method for producing the same; a gene encoding the DNA polymerase-associated factor; a method of DNA synthesis by using a DNA polymerase in the presence of the DNA polymerase-associated factor; and a kit comprising the DNA polymerase-associated factor. According to the present invention, there can be provided in vitro DNA synthesis and a DNA amplification system which are more excellent than conventional techniques by utilizing the DNA polymerase-associated factor of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided are mutant DNA polymerase having at least one mutation which exhibit substantially reduced polymerase activity at 25° C. When compared to the same DNA polymerase without the at least one mutation and which exhibit normal or near-normal polymerase activity at optimum temperatures when compared to the same DNA polymerase without the at least one mutation. Also provided are amino acid sequences and nucleic acid sequences encoding such DNA polymerase, and vector plasmids and host cells suitable for the expression of these sequences. Also described herein are improved methods for performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and other genetic manipulations and analyses using the mutant DNA polymerase of the invention.

Abstract: Methods are provide for determining the relative amounts of individual polynucleotides in a complex mixture. The polynucleotides, after fluorescent labeling, are contacted under hybridization conditions with an array having element disposed at discrete locations on a substrate. The elements comprise two or more distinct polynucleotides that are combined prior to arraying. The level of fluorescence associated with each element provides a measure of its relative amount in the mixture.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and a method for detecting single nucleic acid molecules using rolling circle amplification (RCA) of single-stranded circular templates, referred to as amplification target circles, primed by immobilized primers. In one form of the method, referred to as a bipartite primer rolling circle amplification, (BP-RCA), RCA of the amplification target circle (ATC) depends on the formation of a primer by target-mediated ligation. In the presence of a nucleic acid molecule having the target sequence, a probe and a combination probe/primer oligonucleotide can hybridize to adjacent sites on the target sequence allowing the probes to be ligated together. By attaching the first probe to a substrate such as a bead or glass slide, unligated probe/primer can be removed after ligation. The only primers remaining will be primers ligated, via the probe portion of the probe/primer, to the first probe. The ligated primer can then be used to prime replication of its cognate ATC.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed using the depolymerization of a nucleic acid hybrid to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze for the presence of a predetermined nucleic acid. Applications of those processes include the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms, identification of single base changes, speciation, determination of viral load, genotyping, medical marker diagnostics, and the like.

Abstract: A denaturation fingerprinting method (dnF) involves subjecting a nucleic acid segment of interest to bidirectional cycle sequencing using oppositely oriented primers and incorporating two different dideoxynucleotides (ddNTPs) in the sequencing reaction. The resulting fragments are separated by denaturing electrophoresis. In one embodiment, designated dnF2R, reactions and electrophoretic separation using the two ddNTPs are conducted separately. In an alternative embodiment, designated dnF1R, one of the ddNTPs has a mobility altering modification such that electorphoretic separation occurs when both ddNTPs are employed in the same reaction. The methods are useful for detecting genetic mutations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and compositions for the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of tumor progression in cells involved in human tumors such as melanomas, breast, gastrointestinal, lung, and bone tumors, various types of skin cancers, and other neoplastic conditions such as leukemias and lymphomas. Genes are identified that are differentially expressed in benign (e.g., non-malignant) tumor cells relative to malignant tumor cells exhibiting a high metastatic potential. Genes are also identified via the ability of their gene products to interact with gene products involved in the progression to, and/or aggressiveness of, neoplastic tumor disease states. The genes and gene products identified can be used diagnostically or for therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: Fluorescence-based assay methods for detecting biological analytes in a sample. The fluorescence background in these methods is significantly lower than in conventional assay methods. Also provided are methods of attaching nucleic acids to a metallic or metalloid surface.

Abstract: Degenerate primers which hybridize with various classes of antibiotic biosynthesis genes were used to amplify fragments of DNA from soil and lichen extracts. Cloning and sequencing of the amplified products showed that these products included a variety of novel and previously uncharacterized antibiotic biosynthesis gene sequences, the products of which have the potential to be active as antibiotics, immunosuppressors, antitumor agents, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetic mutations in mitochondrial genes that segregate with diabetes mellitus. The invention provides methods for detecting such mutations, as a diagnostic for diabetes mellitus, either before or after the onset of clinical symptoms. Examples of specific mutations in the ATP synthase 8/6 sequence and tRNALys sequence are given. The invention also provides treatments for dysfunctions due to genes for mitochondrial functions that segregate with diabetes mellitus. Cybrid cell lines are described which are useful as model systems for the study of the mitochondrial metabolic disorders that are associated with diabetes mellitus, and for identifying therapeutic compounds and treatments for this disease.

Abstract: Methods for screening cDNAs that express a product interacting with a target molecule. Individual cDNAs are pooled and the cDNA pools are expressed to obtain expression products, for example by coupled in vitro transcription/translation. The interaction of the products with the target molecule is then assayed, for example by scintillation proximity assay (SPA), to identify pools of interest. By selectively re-pooling the cDNAs and repeating the expression and assay steps, individual cDNAs of interest can be rapidly identified. This method is readily automated in a computer-controlled device for high throughput screening. The invention also provides methods of transfecting a cell with a cDNA identified by the screening method to confer a desired property to a cell or identifying cDNAs from a pool of cDNAs by transfection into cells to confer a desired property.

Abstract: Mixed-bed solid phases are provided, with methods for using such solid phases to isolate target nucleic acids, such as plasmid DNA, chromosomal DNA, RNA, or nucleic acids generated by enzymatic amplification from contaminants, including proteins, lipids, cellular debris, or other nucleic acids. The mixed-bed solid phases of this invention are mixtures of at least two different solid phases, each of which has a capacity to bind to the target nucleic acid under different solution conditions, and the capacity to release the nucleic acid under similar elution conditions. By exchanging solution conditions according to the methods of this invention, one can remove contaminants from the target nucleic acid bound to the mixed-bed solid phase, then elute the target nucleic acid in an elution buffer.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed using the depolymerization of a nucleic acid hybrid to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze for the presence of a predetermined exogenous nucleic acid. Applications of those processes include the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms, identification of single base changes, determination of viral load, genotyping, medical marker diagnostics, and the like.

Abstract: Methods and kits for determining whether a subject has or is predisposed to developing a disease which is associated with IL-1 polymorphisms and assays for identifying therapeutics for treating and/or preventing the development of these diseases are provided.

Abstract: Mass spectrometric, absorbance spectroscopic and fluorescence spectroscopic processes are disclosed to detect the depolymerization of a nucleic acid hybrid in order to qualitatively and quantitatively assay for the presence of a predetermined nucleic acid target. Applications of those processes include the detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms, identification of single base changes, speciation, determination of viral load, genotyping, medical marker diagnostics, and the like, including multiplexed assays.

Abstract: In order to make possible to preserve promptly and efficiently a DNA and to distribute the same without taking much labor and much time, a DNA solution is allowed to adhere to a sheet-like support having a prescribed thickness, and the DNA solution which has been allowed to adhere to the support is dried to fix the DNA onto the support.