Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for targeting recombinant retroviral particles specifically to cells of interest for delivery of desired therapeutic or toxic agents. The invention provides chimeric nucleotide constructs, chimeric proteins formed of a selected viral envelope gene from which a selected sequence has been deleted and into which has been inserted all or an effective portion of a heterologous ligand, said ligand or portion thereof capable of binding to a selected receptor, recombinant viral particles formed of the chimeric proteins, a biological mediator for delivery to the target cell; and retroviral gag and pol proteins. The lack of retroviral nucleic acid renders the viral particle replication defective and non-pathogenic.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of human genetics. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and materials used to isolate and detect a human breast and ovarian cancer predisposing gene (BRCA1), some mutant alleles of which cause susceptibility to cancer, in particular breast and ovarian cancer. More specifically, the invention relates to germline mutations in the BRCA1 gene and their use in the diagnosis of predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer. The present invention further relates to somatic mutations in the BRCA1 gene in human breast and ovarian cancer and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human breast and ovarian cancer. Additionally, the invention relates to somatic mutations in the BRCA1 gene in other human cancers and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers. The invention also relates to the therapy of human cancers which have a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, including gene therapy, protein replacement therapy and protein mimetics.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of human genetics. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and materials used to isolate and detect a human breast and ovarian cancer predisposing gene (BRCA1), some mutant alleles of which cause susceptibility to cancer, in particular breast and ovarian cancer. More specifically, the invention relates to germline mutations in the BRCA1 gene and their use in the diagnosis of predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer. The present invention further relates to somatic mutations in the BRCA1 gene in human breast and ovarian cancer and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human breast and ovarian cancer. Additionally, the invention relates to somatic mutations in the BRCA1 gene in other human cancers and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers. The invention also relates to the therapy of human cancers which have a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, including gene therapy, protein replacement therapy and protein mimetics.

Abstract: A rapid, sensitive in situ hybridization assay is provided which will detect as few as 1-5 copies of target biopolymer per cell and may be accomplished in 2-4 hours. There is provided a quantitative assay which may be used to diagnose and monitor treatment of diseases.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for classifying (indexing) cDNA which has been reverse-transcribed from tissue- or cell-derived RNA, or DNA in a short period without duplication by using class-IIS restriction enzymes or a combination of a class-IIS and a class-II restriction enzymes. According to this invention, it is possible to analyse and diagnose variations such as tumors easily, correctly and promptly by comparing the analyzed pattern of genes expressed in a cell or tissue sample with the analyzed pattern of normal genes. This method is also applicable to the search and isolation of genes of physiologically active substances that are potential pharmaceuticals or causative genes of hereditary diseases, as well as the isolation of those genes that are useful for improving agricultural products.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for identifying the presence, location and sequence of one or more genetic alterations in one or more DNA molecules. Further provided are methods for positional cloning of a gene of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the selective covalent modification of nucleic acids with redox active moieties such as transition metal complexes. Electron donor and electron acceptor moieties are covalently bound to the ribose-phosphate backbone of a nucleic acid at predetermined positions. The resulting complexes represent a series of new derivatives that are bimolecular templates capable of transferring electrons over very large distances at extremely fast rates. These complexes possess unique structural features which enable the use of an entirely new class of bioconductors and photoactive probes.

Abstract: Multiple target nucleic acids are amplified using polymerase chain reaction in the presence of a nonionic, polymeric volume exclusion agent. The amplification efficiency of low copy target nucleic acids is increased in the presence of the volume exclusion agent even though reduced primer levels are used. In this manner, amplification efficiency of a given target nucleic acid can be more readily manipulated.

Abstract: Bacteria of the genus Mycobacterium can be detected and/or identified by methods using probes including fragments of a variable region of a 23S ribosomal RNA of a species of the genus Mycobacterium or probes including DNA fragments that are obtained by reverse transcription of the RNA or that form the RNA by transcription. Primers for the reverse transcription of a variable region of a 23S ribosomal RNA sequence of mycobacteria include nucleotide sequences of a 23S RNA of a species of the genus Mycobacterium.

Abstract: A diagnostic method for detecting a base pair mismatch in a DNA duplex, comprising the steps of contacting at least one strand of a first DNA molecule with the complementary strand of a second DNA molecule under conditions such that base pairing occurs contacting a DNA duplex potentially containing a base pair mismatch with a mispair recognition protein under conditions suitable for the protein to form a specific complex only with the DNA duplex having a base pair mismatch, and not with a DNA duplex lacking a base pair mismatch, and detecting any complex as a measure of the presence of a base pair mismatch in the DNA duplex.

Abstract: To examine the status of chromosome 18q, polymorphic genetic markers and DNA from formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumors are employed. DNA from normal tissue is used as a comparison. The status of chromosome 18q is prognostic of the survival among stage II and stage III colorectal cancer patients.

Abstract: Novel gene present in interval 6E and/or 6D of the distal portion of the long arm of the human Y chromosome, whose alteration is associated with reduced sperm count. Methods of diagnosis and treatment utilizing said gene, and antibodies that bind to the protein encoded by said gene.

Abstract: Improvements in the existing procedures and materials for conduct of high gradient magnetic separation (HGMS) are disclosed. Superior superparamagnetic particles, optionally coated with a polysaccharide or other, usually organic, materials can be prepared in uniform compositions with homogeneous magnetizations. The coating can conveniently be conjugated to a specific binding moiety complementary to a biological material whose purification or separation is desired. In addition, plastic coated matrices which form superior magnetic gradient-intensifying supports are disclosed, along with improved methods and apparatus to conduct HGMS.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of human genetics. Specifically, the present invention relates to methods and materials used to isolate and detect a human breast and ovarian cancer predisposing gene (BRCA1), some mutant alleles of which cause susceptibility to cancer, in particular breast and ovarian cancer. More specifically, the invention relates to germline mutations in the BRCA1 gene and their use in the diagnosis of predisposition to breast and ovarian cancer. The present invention further relates to somatic mutations in the BRCA1 gene in human breast and ovarian cancer and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human breast and ovarian cancer. Additionally, the invention relates to somatic mutations in the BRCA1 gene in other human cancers and their use in the diagnosis and prognosis of human cancers. The invention also relates to the therapy of human cancers which have a mutation in the BRCA1 gene, including gene therapy, protein replacement therapy and protein mimetics.

Abstract: A triple-stranded nucleic acid having a first nucleic acid strand that has a region of adjacent purine nucleoside residues; a second nucleic acid strand, at least a portion of which is hydrogen bonded in a Watson-Crick manner to the region of adjacent purine nucleoside residues of the first strand; and a third nucleic acid strand, at least a portion of which is hydrogen bonded to the portion of the region of adjacent purine nucleoside residues of the first strand, the portion of the region of adjacent purine nucleoside residues to which both the second strand and the third strand are bonded defining the triple-stranded nucleic acid is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention combines detection and identification of H. capsulatum in one step, eliminating the need to use DNA probes to react with PCR products in order to distinguish different types of fungi. The purpose of the invention is to provide compounds and methods to directly and specifically identify H. capsulatum in clinical specimens. Specifically, we provide a unique nucleotide sequence from the rRNA gene internal transcribed spacer region I (ITSI) of H. capsulatum and a PCR method which amplifies the unique sequence of H. capsulatum.

Abstract: A method and kit for the detection of Cryptosporidium parvum in aquatic and biological samples such as surface water or feces. The method relies on the use of primers to detect all or a portion of at least one DNA sequence characteristic of C. parvum, the sequence being all or part of the genomic regions referred to as 38G and HemA contained within recombinant plasmids pINV38G, and pHem4, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enhanced system for specific, sensitive and rapid detection of the presence and identification of the specific mycoplasma contained in a sample of nucleic acid, wherein the sample nucleic acid is amplified using nested PCR which uses a mixture of first stage and second stage primers, each comprising at least one single sequence and at least one mixed sequence primer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel class of antisense oligonucleotides capable of hybridizing to and inhibiting expression of nucleic acids having mixed purine/pyrimidine sequences by triplex formation. The foldback triplex-forming oligonucleotides (FTFOs) of the invention are comprised of three regions, a duplex-forming region, which is sufficiently complementary to a region of the target nucleic acid to hybridizes to it under the conditions of interest, a triplex-forming region, which is an inverted repeat of the duplex-forming region and folds back upon the duplex formed between the duplex-forming region and the target nucleic acid to form a triplex, and a linker region, which connects the duplex-forming region and the triplex-forming region and allows formation of the triplex.

Abstract: The estrogen-regulated gene sequence pLIV1 has been discovered and isolated, and found to be significantly associated with the metastatic spread of breast cancer cells to the regional lymph nodes. Methods are therefore provided for determining the risk of metastasis of a female breast tumour, as well as for predicting the responsiveness to endocrine treatment of a female breast tumour, which involve determining whether a tissue sample from a tumour expresses a polypeptide containing the pLIV1 gene sequence, or a substantial portion thereof.