Abstract: A method for the stabilization of nitrilase activity of unimmobilized or immobilized microbial cells has been developed. The unimmobilized or immobilized microbial cells are stored in an aqueous solution containing from 0.100 M to the saturation concentration of an inorganic salt of bicarbonate or carbonate, including ammonium, sodium and potassium salts of bicarbonate or carbonate. Aqueous suspensions containing at least 100 mM bicarbonate or carbonate limit microbial contamination of the stored enzyme catalyst, as well as stabilize the desired nitrilase activity of the unimmobilized or immobilized cells. Microorganisms which are characterized by an nitrilase activity and are stabilized and preserved by this method include Acidovorax facilis 72-PF-15 (ATCC 55747), Acidovorax facilis 72-PF-17 (ATCC 55745), and Acidovorax facilis 72W (ATCC 55746).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the mammalian Hcen-2 gene. The invention relates to methods for the identification of compounds that modulate the expression of Hcen-2 and to using such compounds as therapeutic agents in the treatment of Hcen-2 disorders. The invention also relates to methods for the diagnostic evaluation, genetic testing and prognosis of Hcen-2 mediated disorders, and to methods and compositions for the treatment these disorders. The invention also relates to use of the Hcen-2 gene and/or gene products as markers for fine structure mapping of a region of human chromosome 18, including a region of the chromosome involved in mediating neuropsychiatric disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to anti-heteronucleic acid antibodies and their uses for detection of RNA-DNA duplexes on arrays. The invention provides a method for detection of total cellular RNA hybridization on microarrays, thus obviating the need for isolation of the poly(A)+ fraction.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for ranking the affinity of each of a multiplicity of different molecules for a target molecule which is capable of denaturing due to a thermal change.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, apparatus and methods useful for concurrently performing multiple, high throughput, biological or chemical assays, using repeated arrays of probes. A combination of the invention comprises a surface, which comprises a plurality of test regions, at least two of which, and in a preferred embodiment, at least twenty of which, are substantially identical, wherein each of the test regions comprises an array of generic anchor molecules. The anchors are associated with bifunctional linker molecules, each containing a portion which is specific for at least one of the anchors and a portion which is a probe specific for a target of interest. The resulting array of probes is used to analyze the presence or test the activity of one or more target molecules which specifically interact with the probes. In one embodiment of the invention, the test regions (which can be wells) are further subdivided into smaller subregions (indentations, or dimples).

Abstract: Hepatocyte culturing system, primer sets and an analytical method for selectively detecting and quantitatively assessing the levels of mRNA expression of the major isoenzymes of cytochrome P450 (CYP450 1A1, 1A2, 2B1/2, 2C11, 2E1, 3A1, 3A2 and 4A1), fatty acyl-CoA oxidase (FACO) and select Phase II conjugating enzymes (UDPGT, GST and ST) in the rat using specific 5′ and 3′ oligonucleotide primers and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. The method closely reproduces the expression obtained from rat liver tissue following treatment with the same enzyme inducers. Constitutive and inducible expression was maintained by resuspending, culturing and then overlaying adult rat hepatocytes with an extracellular matrix such as Matrigel®.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new method for diagnosing cancers, particulary endometrial and uterine cancer.

Abstract: A nucleic acid amplifying enzyme having a short reaction time and high fidelity is provided. The enzyme of this invention is a thermostable DNA polymerase having a nucleic acid extension rate of at least 30 bases per second and a 3′-5′ exonuclease activity. Also provided are a method and kit for amplifying nucleic acid.

Abstract: Methods of identifying molecular interaction sites in eukaryotic and prokaryotic nucleic acids, especially RNA, are described. Secondary structural elements are identified from highly conserved sequences. Methods of preparing databases relating to such molecular interaction sites are also provided herein as are databases themselves. Therapeutic, agricultural, industrial, and other applicability results from interaction of such molecular interaction sites with “small” and other molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of genomics. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for gene identification beginning with user-selected input phenotypes. The method is referred to generally as the ValiGeneSMGene Identification method, or the VGIDSM method. The method employs nucleic acid mismatch binding protein chromatography to effect a molecular comparison of one phenotype with others. Genes are identified as having a specified function, or as causing or contributing to the cause or pathogenesis of a specified disease, or as associated with a specific phenotype, by virtue of their selection by the method. Identified genes may be used in development of reagents, drugs and/or combinations thereof useful in clinical or other settings for prognosis, diagnosis and/or treatment of diseases, disorders and/or conditions. The method is equally suited for gene identification for agricultural, bio-engineering, medical, veterinary, and many other applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of the GTPase gene family as a target for nucleic acid based assays for the detection and differentiation of prokaryotic organisms. The invention relates to polynucleic acids derived from gene sequences encoding prokaryotic GTPase (=GTP-binding) proteins, as well as their use in the detection and identification of prokaryotic organisms; primers and probes derived from said polynucleic acid sequences, for specific amplification and detection of prokaryotic DNA in a biological sample; as well as methods and kits allowing the detection and identification of at least one micoroorganism, and preferentially several microorganisms simultaneously in a sample. More specifically, the invention relates to new polynucleic acid sequences encoding GTPase proteins from Campylobacter species, primers and probes derived from them, and methods and kits comprising these reagents for the detection and differentiation of species belonging to the genus Campylobacter.

Abstract: A DNA molecule having a gene expression repressing function derived from human T-cell leukemia virus type I (HTLV-I) existing in a region which is missing in a mutant provirus that is expressing p21Xm RNA but exists in the genome of a complete provirus, and a plasmid including the DNA molecule are provided. Furthermore, a novel protein (TRP-1) which specifically binds to U5RE and a structural gene for the protein is provided, which can be useful for elucidation of the transcription repression activity and elucidation of the oncogenesis mechanism of neurocytes, in which a transcriptional repressive region (U5RE) existing in the U5 region of human T-cell leukemia virus type I gene LTR is involved. Furthermore, an expression vector including the gene, a transformant into which the expression vector is introduced, and a process for producing the TRP-1 protein using the transformant are provided.

Abstract: The invention involves the recognition of a previously unidentified protein family which belongs to, the human SCP family. The members of the family, such as SCP-2 and rat SCP-3 homolog are markers for cell transformation. Diagnostic and therapeutic uses of these protein and related molecules are taught.

Abstract: Evaluation of a sample for the presence and qualitative nature of a microorganism can be performed in a single vessel by combining a natural abundance DNA sample with a sequencing mixture containing a primer pair, a thermally stable polymerase such as ThermoSequenase™ which incorporates dideoxynucleotides into an extending nucleic acid polymer at a rate which is no less than about 0.4 times the rate of incorporation of deoxynucleotides, nucleotide triphosphate feedstocks, and a chain terminating nucleotide triphosphate. The mixture is processed through multiple thermal cycles for annealing, extension and denaturation to produce a product mixture which is analyzed by electrophoresis.

Abstract: The invention provides a means of detecting and identifying mutations in a genetic region, and a means of quantifying the number of repeat units in, for example, a trinucleotide repeat, by transcription/translation of the genetic region into a target polypeptide. The method requires neither radioisotopic nor fluorescent labeling of the target polypeptide. In particular, the invention is based on mass spectrometric determination of the mass of the encoded target polypeptide and comparison of the mass of the polypeptide with its own expected mass or with the mass of a polypeptide of known identity. Depending on the target polypeptide to be identified, the processes can be used, for example, to diagnose a genetic disease or chromosomal abnormality; a predisposition to a disease or condition, infection by a pathogenic organism, or for determining identity or heredity.

Abstract: A method of using micromechanical devices as sensors for detecting chemical interactions between naturally occurring bio-polymers which are non-identical binding partners is provided. The method is useful whether the reactions occur through electrostatic forces or other forces. Induced stress, heat, or change in mass is detected where a binding partner is placed on a cantilever for possible reaction with an analyte molecules (i.e., a non-identical binding partner). The method is particularly useful in determining DNA hybridization but may be useful in detecting interaction in any chemical assay.

Abstract: A nucleoprotein based nanoprocessor is described. The nanoprocessor includes one or more chimeric fusion proteins linked to a DNA scaffold. Both components of the fusion protein are enzymes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for sequencing, fingerprinting and mapping biological macromolecules, typically biological polymers. The methods make use of a plurality of sequence specific recognition reagents which can also be used for classification of biological samples, and to characterize their sources.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode a novel pancreas-derived serpin (PDS) expressed in human pancreas. The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode PDS, expression vectors for the production of purified PDS, antibodies capable of binding specifically to PDS, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detection of PDS-encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of PDS, diagnostic tests based on PDS-encoding nucleic acid molecules and a pharmaceutical composition containing PDS capable of binding specifically to a serine protease.

Abstract: A method for preparing polypeptide ligands of target molecules wherein candidate mixtures comprised of ribosome complexes or mRNA•polypeptide copolymers are partitioned relative to their affinity to the target and amplified to create a new candidate mixture enriched in ribosome complexes or mRNA•polypeptide copolymers with an affinity to the target.