Abstract: Provided is a DNA-level grain variety discrimination method of detecting the presence or absence of any other varieties of grains in object grains of a certain variety through multiplex PCR that uses the DNAs extracted from the grains or from their processed products as templates. The method is characterized in that the multiplex PCR uses pair primer groups that are for discriminative detection of negative bands not appearing in the band pattern of the object variety but selectively appearing only in the band patterns of the other mixed varieties. The method has made it possible to rapidly and simply detect the presence or absence of mixed varieties in high-quality grains such as “Koshihikari”, and to identify the mixed varieties.

Abstract: A method of measuring the biological age of a multicellular organism is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: (a) obtaining a sample of nucleic acid isolated from the organism's organ, tissue or cell, wherein the nucleic acid is RNA or a cDNA copy of RNA and (b) determining the gene expression pattern of at least one of the genes selected from the group consisting of M21050, Z49204, U49430, K02782, X58861, X66295, M22531, X67809, U19118, M64086, M63695, U39066, X92590, X56518, AA182189, X16493, U20344, X16834, X82648, D00754, D16313, L38971 and X15789.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a disintegrin and metalloproteinase containing thrombospondin 1-like domains (ADAMTS) and in particular to a novel ADAMTS13 protease and to nucleic acids encoding ADAMTS13 proteases. The present invention encompasses both native and recombinant wild-type forms of ADAMTS13, as well as mutant and variant forms including fragments, some of which posses altered characteristics relative to the wild-type ADAMTS13. The present invention also relates to methods of using ADAMTS13, including for treatment of TTP. The present invention also relates to methods for screening for the presence of TTP. The present invention further relates to methods for developing anticoagulant drugs based upon ADAMTS13.

Abstract: The identification of mutations in NURR1 provides molecular tools for the development of diagnostic, prophylactic and therapeutic agents for Parkinson's Disease. In specific embodiments, two point mutations are identified in exon 1 of the NURR1 gene in 10/107 (9.3%) cases of familial Parkinson's disease (PD). The mutations reduce NURR1 gene expression (mRNA and protein levels) by 87–95% and decrease tyrosine hydroxylase (a rate-limited dopamine synthesis enzyme) gene expression in vitro. It is also demonstrated that in vivo NURR1 mRNA levels in the lymphocytes from the PD patients with the exon 1 mutation are reduced by 68–84%, and in over 50% sporadic PD patients the NURR1 mRNA levels in lymphocytes are significantly reduced. A homozygous polymorphism is identified in intron 6 of NURR1 that correlates with the presence of Parkinson's disease. A splicing variant in NURR1 exon 5 is identified.

Abstract: There is disclosed a cancer diagnostic method based upon DNA methylation differences at specific CpG sites. Specifically, the inventive method provides for a bisulfite treatment of DNA, followed by methylation-sensitive single nucleotide primer extension (Ms-SNuPE), for determination of strand-specific methylation status at cytosine residues.

Abstract: The invention provides purified and isolated DNA fragments from Bacillus anthracis chromosomal DNA, primer sets and probes derived therefrom, as well as kits and detection methods for B. anthracis. The methods of the invention provide for specific detection of anthrax over closely related strains of Bacillus, as well as accurate detection of low numbers of B. anthracis in an environmental sample containing large amounts of non-specific DNA. The invention is applicable to food, health care, and military applications.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with oligonucleotides that can be used as in the amplification and detection of Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) nucleic acid, in particular RNA-specific sequences. Furthermore a method for the diagnosis of EBV associated malignant and non-malignant diseases is provided. The oligonucleotides according to the present invention are specifically suited for the detection of EBV gene expression in circulating peripheral blood cells, in human (tumor) tissue samples and thin sections thereof using “in solution” amplification or “in situ” amplification techniques and in other biological samples potentially containing EBV-infected cells.

Abstract: Nucleic acid (e.g., DNA) hybridization probes are described which comprise a labeled, single copy nucleic acid which hybridizes to a deduced single copy sequence interval in target nucleic acid of known sequence. The probes, which are essentially free of repetitive sequences, can be used in hybridization analyses without adding repetitive sequence-blocking nucleic acids. This allows rapid and accurate detection of chromosomal abnormalities. The probes are preferably designed by first determining the sequence of at least one single copy interval in a target nucleic acid sequence, and developing corresponding hybridization probes which hybridize to at least a part of the deduced single copy sequence. In practice, the sequences of the target and of known genomic repetitive sequence representatives are compared in order to deduce locations of the single copy sequence intervals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for detecting antibiotic resistances in microorganisms, in particular in bacteria, and to reagent kits which are suitable for implementing the process.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel Schwannomin-Binding-Proteins (SBPs). Nucleic acid sequences encoding such proteins and assays employing same are also disclosed. The invention SBPs can be employed in a variety of ways, for example, for the production of anti-SBP antibodies thereto, in therapeutic compositions and methods employing such proteins and/or antibodies. Also provided are transgenic non-human mammals that express the invention protein.

Abstract: Incorporation of certain amino acid analogs into polypeptides produced by cells which do not ordinarily provide polypeptides containing such amino acid analogs is accomplished by subjecting the cells to growth media containing such amino acid analogs. The degree of incorporation can be regulated by adjusting the concentration of amino acid analogs in the media and/or by adjusting osmolality of the media. Such incorporation allows the chemical and physical characteristics of polypeptides to be altered and studied. In addition, nucleic acid and corresponding proteins including a domain from a physiologically active peptide and a domain from an extracellular matrix protein which is capable of providing a self-aggregate are provided. Human extracellular matrix proteins capable of providing a self-aggregate collagen are provided which are produced by prokaryotic cells. Preferred codon usage is employed to produce extracellular matrix proteins in prokaryotics.

Abstract: Methods for identifying functional allele profiles of a given gene are disclosed. Functional allele profiles comprise the commonly occurring alleles in a population, and the relative frequencies at which such alleles of a given gene occur. Functional allele profiles are useful in treatment and diagnosis of diseases, for genetic and pharmacogenetic applications and for evaluating the degree to which the gene(s) are under selective pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is related to rpoB gene fragments and method for the diagnosis and identification of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and non-lubercuolsis Mycobacterial strains using rpoB gene and it's fragments.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a novel gene having a reverse transcriptase motif. The invention isolates a novel gene having a reverse transcriptase motif, and gives its complete base sequence determined. The invention also provides a protein encoded by the gene, and an antibody against the protein. The use of them is useful in developing a method for detecting telomerase activity, a method for detecting a cancer cell, a telomerase activity inhibitor, and a method for screening a telomerase activity inhibitor.

Abstract: Incorporation of certain amino acid analogs into polypeptides produced by cells which do not ordinarily provide polypeptides containing such amino acid analogs is accomplished by subjecting the cells to growth media containing such amino acid analogs. The degree of incorporation can be regulated by adjusting the concentration of amino acid analogs in the media and/or by adjusting osmolality of the media. Such incorporation allows the chemical and physical characteristics of polypeptides to be altered and studied. In addition, nucleic acid and corresponding proteins including a domain from a physiologically active peptide and a domain from an extracellular matrix protein which is capable of providing a self-aggregate are provided. Human extracellular matrix proteins capable of providing a self-aggregate collagen are provided which are produced by prokaryotic cells. Preferred codon usage is employed to produce extracellular matrix proteins in prokaryotics.

Abstract: Use of a gene change in the gene for the G?3 subunit of the human G protein, at position 825 in SEQ ID No. 2 with a substitution of cytosine by thymine and/or at position 1429 in SEQ ID No. 2 there being substitution of cytosine by thymine, for determination of the risk of contracting a disease which is associated with G protein dysregulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for detecting disease by analysis of a patient sample to determine the integrity of nucleic acids in the sample.

Abstract: Certain transcription factors (enhancer binding proteins) significantly increase transcription rates from genes by nicking a single DNA strand in the vicinity of their DNA binding sites, thereby allowing RNA polymerase to gain access to the transcribed DNA strand by a process of “threading”. DNA template nicking is a detectable and quantifiable byproduct indicative of transcriptional activation that can be used to design practical assays. These assays are used to determine which transcription factors (enhancer binding proteins) are actively catalyzing the transcription of a gene in any cell type, or in any cell in response to any drug or treatment. This group of transcription factors have a predictable molecular biological activity in addition to transcription activation, namely site-specific DNA strand cleavage.

Abstract: A central role for the gene encoding dopamine beta-hydroxylase in neuropsychiatric disorders is disclosed. Use of single nucleotide polymorphisms in the dopamine beta-hydroxylase gene for diagnosis, prediction of clinical course and treatment response, development of new treatments and development of cell-culture based and animal models for research and treatment are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a rapid and simple method for determining organisms and/or cells in a sample. Generally, the method is directed to the use of molecular probes to selectively stain the organisms and/or cells for determination wherein growth medium, fixative reagents and/or excess molecular probes need not be separated before a determination is made.