Abstract: This invention relates to isolated nucleic acids comprising genes of human chromosome 12q23-qter and the proteins encoded by these genes. Expression vectors and host cells containing such genes or fragments thereof, as well as antibodies to the proteins encoded by these nucleic acids are also included herein.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides methods of determining susceptibility to bone fracture in a mammalian subject, wherein the methods comprise analyzing nucleic acid molecules obtained from the mammalian subject to determine which of the P, p X, and x alleles of the estrogen receptor ? gene are present, wherein the presence of a haplotype comprising the p and x alleles is indicative of an increased susceptibility to bone fracture. The present invention also provides kits for determining susceptibility to bone fracture in a mammalian subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a ?-catenin oligonucleotide microchip for detecting mutation in the mutational hot spot regions of ?-catenin gene, a manufacturing process thereof and a method for detecting the ?-catenin mutation employing same, wherein specific oligonucleotides are selectively designed to detect various missense mutations and in-frame deletion at the mutational hot spots of ?-catenin gene. The ?-catenin oligo chip of the present invention can be used in studies to detect ?-catenin mutations and unravel the signal transduction mechanism and tumorigenesis related to ?-catenin gene.

Abstract: Isolated sulfotransferase nucleic acid molecules that include a nucleotide sequence variant and nucleotides flanking the sequence variant are described, as are sulfotransferase allozymes. Methods for determining the sulfonator status of a subject also are described. In addition, methods for predicting the therapeutic efficacy of a compound in a subject are described, as are methods for estimating the dose of a compound to be administered to a subject.

Abstract: Isolated sulfotransferase nucleic acid molecules that include a nucleotide sequence variant and nucleotides flanking the sequence variant are described, as well as sulfotransferase allozymes. Methods for determining if a mammal is predisposed to cancer also are described.

Abstract: Bacteria that are capable of ammonia oxidation. Particular bacteria of the present invention are tolerant of freshwater environments, saltwater environments or both. Furthermore, in various embodiments, various bacteria of the present invention are capable of surviving a freeze-drying process, and may remain viable thereafter. Methods for detecting the bacteria of the present invention are also provided. Such methods may be effected by any conventional methology, such as with a DNA chip.

Abstract: A method for detecting a Salmonella species, E. coli O157:H7, or Listeria monocytogenes is disclosed. The method involves amplifying a genomic nucleotide sequence of a corresponding species and detecting the amplification product. Various primers and probes that can be used in the method are also disclosed. In one embodiment, the amplification step of the method is accomplished by real-time PCR and the amplification product is detected by fluorescence resonance energy transfer using a pair of labeled polynucleotides.

Abstract: Methods and kits for determining susceptibility of a patient to mood disorders are described. The method involves analyzing a sample comprising nucleic acids from a patient for a polymorphism in the promoter region of the BDNF gene.