Abstract: The present invention provides amino acid sequences of peptides that are encoded by genes within the human genome, the aminotransferase peptides of the present invention. The present invention specifically provides isolated peptide and nucleic acid molecules, methods of identifying orthologs and paralogs of the aminotransferase peptides, and methods of identifying modulators of the aminotransferase peptides.

Abstract: Substantially-isolated polynucleotides encoding human polypeptides having immunomodulatory activity; human homologs of yeast RAD50, Drosophila Septin-2 and rat Acyl-CoA Synthetase compositions and methods; method for detecting the presence of activated T-cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a combination comprising a plurality of polynucleotide probes that are modulated in response to EGF and which are associated with breast cancer, and which may be used in their entirety or in part as to diagnose, to stage, to treat, or to monitor the treatment of a subject with a breast cancer.

Abstract: The present invention provides new probes for the detection of chromosomal alterations associated with cancer, particularly ovarian cancer. The probes bind selectively with target nucleic acid sequences at 3q26.

Abstract: The present invention provides nucleotide and amino acid sequences that identify and encode novel cellubrevins (cb). The present invention also provides for antisense molecules to the nucleotide sequences which encode cbs, expression vectors for the production of purified CBs, antibodies capable of binding specifically to CBs, hybridization probes or oligonucleotides for the detecting the induction of CB encoding nucleotide sequences, genetically engineered host cells for the expression of CBs, diagnostic tests for activated, inflamed or diseased cells and/or tissues based on CB-encoding nucleic acid molecules and antibodies capable of binding specifically to CBs.

Abstract: The present invention provides an isolated nucleic acid molecule containing a a repeat region of an isolated spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) coding sequence, the coding sequence located within the long arm of chromosome 13, and the complement of the nucleic acid molecule. Diagnostic methods based on identification of this repeat region are also provided.

Abstract: An isolated and purified nucleic acid molecule encoding an inclusion membrane protein C of a strain of Chlamydia, is useful for nucleic acid immunization of a host, including a human host, against disease caused by infection by a strain of Chlamydia, particularly C. pneumoniae.

Abstract: Isolated DNA encoding a nematode guanylyl cyclase chemoreceptor is disclosed. Preferably, the encoded nematode guanylyl cyclase chemoreceptor is selected from the group consisting of order Tylenchida and order Aphelenchida chemoreceptors. Also disclosed are vectors and cells containing the DNA, the encoded proteins, oligonucleotides that bind thereto, and methods of using the same.

Abstract: A process for detecting malignant transformation of cells involves detecting the overexpression of the products of the &bgr;3, &bgr;5, &bgr;8 and &bgr;9 genes, which encode the hCG&bgr; subunit, relative to their expression in nonmalignant cells. A kit for diagnosing an hCG- or an hCG fragment-secreting cancer includes an assembly of polypeptides covering at least a part of the primary sequence of hCG. The use of a polypeptide corresponding to at least one portion of the primary sequence of hCG for producing a composition useful in hCG- or hCG fragment-secreting cancer immunotherapy is also disclosed.

Abstract: Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) DNA sequences from the ribosomal RNA gene region are described for different strains of the wheat fungal pathogen, Rhizoctonia cerealis. Specific primers from within these sequences are identified as being useful for the identification of Rhizoctonia cerealis using PCR-based techniques.

Abstract: A purified polynucleotide having a chain of nucleotides corresponding to a mutated sequence, which in wild-type form encodes a polypeptide implicated in hereditary sensory defect, wherein the mutated purified polynucleotide presents a mutation responsible for prelingual non-syndromic deafness selected from the group consisting of a specific deletion of at least one nucleotide.

Abstract: An assay for detection of a mammalian cell proliferative disorder associated with a hypermutable nucleic acid sequences is provided. The identification of particular hypermutable sequences such as microsatellite loci correlates with a particular cancer, thereby allowing detection of both primary tumors and metastatic sites within a patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel human genes, to proteins expressed by the genes, and to variants of the proteins. The invention also relates to diagnostic and therapeutic agents related to the genes and proteins, including probes, antisense constructs, and antibodies. The invention further relates to polynucleotides differentially expressed in prostate cancer.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for preserving nucleic acids in a bodily fluid, such as urine, blood, blood serum, and amniotic fluid. The preservative includes an amount of a divalent metal chelator selected from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), [ethylenebis(oxyethylenenitrilo)]tetraacetic acid (EGTA) and 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′, N′-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA), or salts thereof in the range of from about 0.001M to 0.1M; and an amount of at least one chelator enhancing component selected from lithium chloride, guanidine, sodium salicylate, sodium perchlorate, and sodium thiocyanate in the range of from about 0.1M to 2M.

Abstract: The present invention relates to means for the detection and characterization of nucleic acid sequences, as well as variations in nucleic acid sequences. The present invention also relates to methods for forming a nucleic acid cleavage structure on a target sequence and cleaving the nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner. The structure-specific nuclease activity of a variety of enzymes is used to cleave the target-dependent cleavage structure, thereby indicating the presence of specific nucleic acid sequences or specific variations thereof. The present invention further relates to methods and devices for the separation of nucleic acid molecules based on charge. The present invention also provides methods for the detection of non-target cleavage products via the formation of a complete and activated protein binding region. The invention further provides sensitive and specific methods for the detection of human cytomegalovirus nucleic acid in a sample.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of: (a) diagnosing; (b) determining the stage of; and (c) monitoring the effect of a therapeutic intervention for a renal cell carcinoma in a human subject which comprises detecting the expression of the MN gene. In one embodiment, the method is directed to detection of the renal cell carcinoma known as clear cell carcinoma. In another embodiment, the method is used as a peripheral blood assay. In another embodiment, the method is a polymerase chain reaction assay for amplifying and detecting the presence of the cDNA molecule encoding the MN protein.

Abstract: A cosmetic composition including a non naturally-occurring extracellular matrix protein in combination with a cosmetic carrier is described. The protein is preferably of human origin and has not been previously cross-linked. The protein is most preferably selected from the group consisting of soluble human procollagen and soluble human tropoelastin. Preferably, the composition contains at least two allelic variants of the protein, most preferably in substantially the same ratio at which they are found in epidermis of a selected individual. The individual may be selected, for example, on the basis of having youthful-appearing skin, of being the future wearer of the composition, or of other reasons.

Abstract: A fluorescent cyanine dye of the following general formula is disclosed: wherein: X1 and X2 are independently selected from the group consisting of —O—, —S—, —C(CH3)2 or —C═CH2; Y1 and Y2 are nonmetal atoms required to form a benzo-condensed or naphtho-condensed ring; Q is a conjugated moiety that increases the fluorescent quantum yield and the stability of the compound; R1 and R2 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, C1-C4, alkyl, alkylensulfonic group or alkylensulfonate group wherein the alkylene group has from 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R3, R4 and R5 are independently selected from the group consisting of H, a sulfonic group, a sulfonate group, alkylensulfonic, alkylensulfonate and —SO2NH(CH2)m—W—(CH2)nZ, wherein alkylene has 1 to 4 carbon atoms, with the proviso that at least one of R1 to R5 contains a sulfonic or sulfonate group; W is absent or is a group selected from —SO2NH, —O—, —COO

Abstract: Method for detecting Ki-ras mutations in exon I, codon 12 to 13 in samples of tissue, tumor tissue, tissue secretions, excretions, expectorates, blood and lymph by two subsequent PCR amplifications comprising a regular PCR amplification and an allele specific amplification and wherein the identification step may comprise a Phast Gel SSCP, characterized in that by a specific selection of oligoprimers in the combination of two PCR amplifications and the Phast Gel identification or in the combination of the said regular PCR amplification and Phast Gel identification produced direct detection of the mutations is produced.

Abstract: The most well-documented biochemical property of p53 is its ability to transcriptionally activate genes. Many of the genes which are activated by p53 expression prior to the onset of apoptosis are predicted to encode proteins which could generate or respond to oxidative stress, including one that is implicated in apoptosis within plant meristems. p53 may result in apoptosis through a three-step process: (I) the transcriptional induction of specific redox-related genes; (ii) the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); and (iii) the oxidative degradation of mitochondrial components, rapidly leading to cell death. Transcription of other genes is decreased by p53. Examination of the level of transcription of p53-induced or repressed genes can be used to determine p53 status, to diagnose cancer, and to evaluate cytotoxicity or carcinogenicity of a test agent.