Abstract: The invention relates to a solution-based assay for identifying RNA binding compounds, based on competition. The assay comprises a reporter molecule carrying a fluorescent or chromogenic group that can form a one-to-one complex with an RNA target molecule carrying a second fluorescent or chromogenic group in such a way that the two groups are in sufficient proximity for fluorescence resonance energy transfer and/or quenching to take place. Addition of a compound-to-be-tested prevents formation of the complex and thereby increases the fluorescence of the RNA target and/or reporter molecules relative to the signal obtained in the absence of the test compound. The invention also provides for quantitative screening methods and kits are also included.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for identifying agents that alter mitochondrial membrane permeability transition. The screening methods generally detect agents that alter the interaction between the mitochondrial adenine nucleotide translocator and cyclophilin D. Such agents may be used, for example, in the treatment of a variety of conditions associated with altered mitochondrial function.

Abstract: Diagnostics and therapeutics for osteoporosis, which are based on the identification of the subject's IL-1 haplotype pattern are described.

Abstract: This invention provides a method for producing a temporally paced subtracted cDNA library comprising: a) isolating temporally spaced RNAs from cells; b) generating cDNA inserts from the RNAs isolated from step (a); c) producing a temporally spaced cDNA library having clones containing the cDNA inserts generated from step (b); d) producing double stranded cDNA inserts from the temporally spaced cDNA library; e) denaturing the double stranded cDNA inserts; f)contacting the denatured double stranded cDNA inserts produced in step (e) with single-stranded DNAs from another cDNA library under conditions permitting hybridization of the single-stranded DNAs and the double-stranded cDNA inserts; g) separating the hybridized cDNA inserts from the unhybridized inserts; h) generating a cDNA library of the unhybridized inserts, thereby generating a temporally spaced subtracted cDNA library.

Abstract: Methods to determine the activity of any and all DNA binding factors, proteins or fragments thereof based upon the detection of a change in a luminescence or fluorescence signal are provided. Preferably, a fluorescence donor is attached to a nucleic acid comprising one portion of a DNA binding element and a fluorescence acceptor is attached to a nucleic acid comprising the other portion of the same binding element. Alternatively, a microsphere bead is attached to a nucleic acid comprising one portion of a binding element and a luminescent moiety or fluorochrome is attached to a nucleic acid comprising the other portion of the same binding element. Binding of a DNA binding factor to the nucleic acid components affects a change in luminescence. These methods may also be used to detect mediating analytes, to diagnose diseases and/or screen for drugs that mediate the activity of DNA binding factors.

Abstract: Novel solution-based methods and materials, including apparatus, for sequence analysis by hybridization are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel DNA assay for the diagnosis and/or prediction of autoimmune diabetes. The present invention relates to a DNA assay for the prediction of autoimmune diabetes in human subjects, which comprises the steps of a) obtaining a DNA sample from the subject and amplifying at least one class III allele of variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) located upstream of the insulin gene (INS) which is associated with silencing of thymic insulin mRNA expression; and b) subjecting the sample to electrophoresis to identify the silencing class III allele.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of identifying therapeutic compounds in a genetically defined setting. The method consists of contacting a cell indicative of a pathological condition from a diseased individual and a cell from a genetically related normal individual with a plurality of candidate therapeutic compounds under suitable assay conditions, and identifying a compound that preferentially alters a predetermined property of the cell from the diseased individual.

Abstract: The cellular effects of potentially therapeutic compounds are characterized in mammalian cells and yeast. In the latter case the effects can be characterized on a genome-wide scale by monitoring changes in messenger RNA levels in treated cells with high-density oligonucleotide probe arrays.

Abstract: The present invention provides a metal charged iminodiacetic acid (IDA) cellulose for detecting a test sample having a histidine tag. The present invention also provides methods for determining cloned protein expression and function. Additionally, the present invention includes a method for the handling of denatured proteins with subsequent renaturation in situ (parenthetically after binding to metal charged IDA cellulose). A wide range of applications are contemplated for the metal charged IDA cellulose including two-dimensional high throughput screening of proteins.

Abstract: The invention relates to a set of combinatorially labeled oligonucleotide probes each member thereof: (i) having a predetermined label distinguishable from the label of any other member of said set, and (ii) being capable of specifically hybridizing with a predetermined chromosome or nucleic acid molecule, and to the use of such molecules, alone or in concert with nucleic acid amplification methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of determining the genotype of a human papilomavirus in a sample by amplifying a portion of the L1 open reading frame of human papilomavirus genome with the amplification primer having SEQ ID NO:2, the sequencing primer having SEQ ID NO:3 and an additional sequencing primer specific to HPV51 having SEQ ID NO:5.

Abstract: Disclosed are terminally sterilized osteogenic devices for implantation into a mammal. The devices contain a combination of a biologically active osteogenic protein and an insoluble carrier which after being combined are sterilized by exposure to ionizing radiation, for example, by exposure to gamma rays or an electron beam. The terminally sterilized devices of the invention are characterized in that they induce bone formation following implantation into a mammal. Also disclosed is a method for inducing bone formation in a mammal by implanting a terminally sterilized device of the invention into a preselected locus in a mammal. Also disclosed is a method for preparing the terminally sterilized device of the invention.

Abstract: The use of glycolipids, in particular galactosylceramide, glucosylceramide and lactosylceramide, and specific catchers therefor (antibodies or lectins), in particular monoclonal antibodies, for use in the prophylaxis or therapy of prediabetes, diabetes and/or associated complications in an individual and for use in the production of pharmaceutical preparations for treatment of said conditions is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for purifying bone-derived TGF-&bgr; proteins including an anion exchange process, a cation exchange process, and a reverse phase HPLC process, and optionally, a filtration process, a Heparin-Sepharose process, and/or a reverse phase HPLC desalting process. The filtration process preferably selects proteins having a nominal molecular weight between approximately 10 kilodaltons and approximately 100 kilodaltons. Preferably, the anion exchange process uses a strongly cationic resin having quaternary amine functional groups. Preferably, the cation exchange process uses a strongly anionic resin having sulfonic acid functional groups. The TGF-&bgr; proteins can be eluted from the reverse phase HPLC column with an acetonitrile solution in combination with aqueous trifluoracetic acid. The purification processes yield highly enriched TGF-&bgr;1 and TGF-&bgr;2 proteins.

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: The invention provides a composition of an isolated human adipose tissue-derived stromal cell that has been differentiated to exhibit at least one characteristic of a non-adipocyte cell lineage wherein the non-adipocyte cell lineage is osteoblastic. The adipose-derived cell possessing an osteoblastic characteristic can be genetically modified or combined with a matrix. The compositions of the invention can be used in vivo to repair bone and treat bone diseases.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules encoding a mismatch endonuclease and its method of use for the detection of mutations in targeted polynucleotide sequences are provided, which facilitate the localization and identification of mutations, mismatches and genetic polymorphisms.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and reagents for detecting nucleotide mismatches (for example, due to sequence variances) in a nucleic acid sample involving the use of a nucleic acid probe derived from a hemizygous cell. Methods for determining the haplotype of a nucleic acid sample are also disclosed. Also disclosed are methods for producing the probe and kits containing the probe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for labeling a synthetic or natural ribonucleic acid (RNA). It also relates to RNA fragments, which have been labeled by fragmenting the RNA to free a terminal phosphate of each fragment for further reaction, and labeling each fragment at the freed terminal phosphate which is located at the 3′ end and/or the 5′ end of each fragment of the RNA, and to the use of such RNA fragments, for example, in the field of medical diagnosis.