Abstract: Sensitive detection techniques and compositions for such techniques are provided by employing fluorescent proteins having bilin prosthetic groups as labels. The bilin containing proteins can be conjugated to ligands or receptors for use in systems involving ligand-receptor binding for the analysis, detection or separation of ligands and receptors. Particularly, one or more of the bilin containing proteins may be used as labels in conjunction with each other or other fluorescers for defining subsets of naturally occurring aggregations e.g. cells.

Abstract: A tissue holding and processing technique suitable for immunofluorescence, histochemical, and light microscopic analysis of the same specimen. The tissue is first placed in formol sucrose, and then transferred to gum sucrose. The tissue is subsequently washed in phosphate buffered saline, then acetone-water, then acetone, and finally in xylene. Finally, the tissue is embedded in paraffin. Tissue processed according to the present invention may be stored indefinitely in the gum sucrose or paraffin.

Abstract: A method for the selective determination of microbial cells, in a sample suspected of containing both microbial and non-microbial cells, is described which involves the selective release and enzymatic inactivation of non-microbial nucleotides, followed by the rapid and specific inhibition of the inactivating enzyme and the release and detection of microbial nucleotides in an appropriate assay, such as a bioluminescent assay.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for the detection of a target genetic material having a desired base sequence or gene. Also disclosed are methods for the detection of mutations. Also provided are components for use in such methods.The methods are based upon techniques which utilize two labeled single stranded polynucleotide segments which are complementary to the same or the opposite strands of the target genetic material. The methods of the invention result in the formation of a double hybrid and/or multihybrid.

Abstract: In accordance with the practices of this invention, there is provided a heterologous detection system and components useful in conjunction therewith and kits for carrying out the heterologous detection system. The heterologous detection system employs a heterologous entity and a signalling entity. The heterologous entity contains two free complex forming sites that form different complexes, i.e., two kinds of complexes can be formed. The first free complex forming site is utilized to recognize the labeled probe and the second free complex forming site is utilized to recognize the signalling entity, with each complex formed being different. The signalling entity contains a free complex forming site that can recognize the second free complex forming site of the heterologous entity and a signalling portion that is capable of generating a signal.

Abstract: A stable, single-stranded nucleoprotein filament adapted to complex specifically and stably with a target duplex DNA having a selected base sequence. The filament is composed of a single-stranded DNA probe having a region of homology with the target base sequence, and RecA protein bound stably to the DNA probe by adenosine 5'-(.gamma.-thio)triphosphate. The filament is useful in a novel system and method for enriching target duplex DNA which contains a region homologous to the probe sequence, for blocking selected restriction endonuclease sites in the target DNA, and in other DNA methodologies in which stable rapid triple-strand synaptic formation in duplex DNA can be exploited.

Abstract: This invention provides a reagent capable of binding to T cells and having specificity for a unique sequence within the variable region of the .beta. chain of the T cell receptor, the presence of increased number of T cells carrying the unique sequence relative to the number of T cells carrying the sequence present in a normal subject being associated with a specific disease. Specific diseases such as human cancers, e.g. lymphomas; autoimmune diseases, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis; Alzheimer's disease; infectious diseases, e.g. those caused by bacteria, yeast or parasite; or allergies, may be diagnosed as follows. A suitable sample containing T cells is obtained from a subject. The sample is contacted under appropriate conditions with such a reagent. If the subject's cells contain the unique sequence, a detectable complex is formed between the reagent and T cells which contain the sequence.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for diagnosis of genetic abnormalities or other genetic conditions which can be readily automated. The method is used to determine the presence or absence of a target sequence in a sample of denatured nucleic acid and entails hybridizing the sample with a probe complementary to a diagnostic portion of the target sequence (the diagnostic probe), and with a probe complementary to a nucleotide sequence contiguous with the diagnostic portion (the contiguous probe), under conditions wherein the diagnostic probe remains bound substantially only to the sample nucleic acid containing the target sequence. The diagnostic probe and contiguous probe are then covalently attached to yield a target probe which is complementary to the target sequence, and the probes which are not attached are removed.

Abstract: An amplified hybridization assay is described in which a family of signal-generating secondary probes bind to a primary probe that hybridizes to the target sequence of interest. Thus, an enormously amplified signal is generated by the hybridization event. The assay can be used for a variety of laboratory and clinical purposes and is automatable.

Abstract: A cationic detergent having a positively charged group and a hydrophobic group is used to conjugate an enzymatically active enzyme molecule with a single-stranded nucleic acid molecule. The conjugate may be used to detect the presence of nucleic acid molecules having a nucleotide sequence which is complementary to that of the single-stranded molecule of the conjugate.

Abstract: Molecules complementary to nucleotide sequences encoding mutant ras protiens which contain a single-base mutation in the codon encoding amino acids at position 13, 12 or 61 have been produced. These molecules are useful in methods of detecting specific single-base mutations in altered ras genes and the specific cancers associated with such mutations.

Abstract: A method is disclosed to detect the presence of an analyte. The method involves forming a complex comprising the analyte and a binding entity. The binding entity comprises a first partner of an energy transfer system. The complex is then contacted with a reporting entity to form a unit. The reporting entity comprises a second partner of the energy transfer system. The first partner and the second partner are within Furster's radius of each other in the formed unit. The unit is irradiated with energy which can only be absorbed by one of said partners, namely, the energy donor, which then emits fluorescent energy. Some of this energy is absorbed by the other of said partners, namely, the energy acceptor, which also emits fluorescent energy. However, the fluorescent energy of the energy acceptor is of longer wavelength and in addition may be of substantially greater duration than the fluorescent energy of the energy donor.

Abstract: A first mixture is prepared that contains labeled chain fragments which each has a common end adjacent to a primary nucleotide and a termination at a position from the primary through an nth nucleotide, the first mixture containing nucleotide chain fragments of each length from termination at the primary through termination of the nth nucleotide. A second mixture is prepared that contains labeled chain fragments beginning at the common end and terminating at positions from the first through the nth nucleotide, the second mixture containing chain fragments of each length terminating wherever either a first or a second of the four nucleotides occurs. A third mixture is prepared that contains labeled chain fragments beginning at the common end and terminating at a position from the first through the nth nucleotide, the third mixture containing chain fragments of each length terminating wherever the first or a third of the four nucleotide sequences occurs.

Abstract: A sensitive bioassay for transforming genes based on the tumorigenicity of cotransfected NIH3T3 cells in nude mice is disclosed. Genes mcf2 and mcf3 have been detected in tissue breast cancer using this assay.

Abstract: A method for determining the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide complementary to at least a portion of an original peptide or protein. In one aspect the method involves: (a) determining a first nucleotide sequence of a first nucleic acid coding for the biosynthesis of at least a portion of the original peptide or protein; (b) ascertaining a second nucleotide sequence of a second nucleic acid which base-pairs with the first nucleotide sequence of the first nucleic acid, the first and second nucleic acids pairing in antiparallel directions; and (c) determining the amino acid sequence of the complementary polypeptide by the second nucleotide sequence when read in the same reading frame as the first nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: A biological reaction layer of a dry analytical element in the form of a composite porous layer in which a particulate material carrying a biologically active material fixed thereon is dispersed in a fibrous porous matrix, characterized in that the dry weight ratio of said particulate material to said fibrous material contained in said composite porous layer ranges from 1:20 to 1:0.3 and said particulate material is contained therein in the range of 1 to 60 g/m.sup.2.

Abstract: The invention provides a recombinant cDNA clone encoding cell surface receptor for laminin, as well as a probe and methods of using that probe to diagnose the aggressiveness of a carcinoma or the effectiveness of an agent for treating cancer cells.

Abstract: Sensitive detection techniques and compositions for such techniques are provided by employing fluorescent proteins having bilin prosthetic groups as labels. The bilin containing proteins can be conjugated to ligands or receptors for use in systems involving ligand-receptor binding for the analysis, detection or separation of ligands and receptors. Particularly, one or more of the bilin containing proteins may be used as labels in conjunction with each other or other fluorescers for defining subsets of naturally occurring aggregations e.g. cells.

Abstract: This invention provides a class of phycoerythrins useful in diagnostic and detection protocols wherein a fluorescent label is required. The unique spectral properties of the phycoerythrins described herein provide for increased sensitivity and alternative uses in assays employing them.

Abstract: Gene probes containing genetic sequences that code for proteins which are phenotypically characteristic of certain leukemias, such as chronic myelogenous leukemia, can be prepared from RNA of a person having that disease. The gene probes can be used in diagnostic hybridization tests with RNA of a patient to be diagnosed.