Abstract: The present invention concerns isolation, library preparation and selective amplification from a compositionally heterogeneous pool of DNA fragments of a fraction of molecules, such as those originating from promoter CpG islands and characterized by a high GC content. In particular, the process utilizes a heat-induced segregation of DNA molecules into GC-poor, single-stranded molecule fractions and GC-rich, double-stranded molecule fractions, with subsequent enzymatic conversion of the GC-rich, double-stranded DNA molecules into a library, and, optionally, amplification. In specific embodiments, the isolation process is used to generate promoter-enriched genomic and methylome libraries for research and diagnostic applications, for example.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for pairwise sequencing of a double-stranded polynucleotide template, which methods result in the sequential determination of nucleotide sequences in two distinct and separate regions of the polynucleotide template. Using the methods of the invention it is possible to obtain two linked or paired reads of sequence information from each double-stranded template on a clustered array, rather than just a single sequencing read from one strand of the template.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of creating an array of features. The method can include steps of (a) providing a plurality of beads, wherein each bead in the plurality of beads includes probe content; (b) contacting the plurality of beads with a surface to produce a layer of beads on the surface; and (c) transferring the probe content from the beads to the surface to create an array of spatially discrete features on the surface, wherein each spatially discrete feature includes probe content from a bead in the plurality of beads.

Abstract: The present invention concerns preparation of DNA molecules, such as a library, using a stem-loop oligonucleotide. In particular embodiments, the invention employs a single reaction mixture and conditions. In particular, at least part of the inverted palindrome is removed during the preparation of the molecules to facilitate amplification of the molecules. Thus, in specific embodiments, the DNA molecules are suitable for amplification and are not hindered by the presence of the palindrome.

Abstract: A method of sample analysis is provided. In certain embodiments, the method involves: a) amplifying a product from a sample that comprises both wild type copies of a genomic locus and mutant copies of the genomic locus that have a point mutation relative to the wild type copies of the genomic locus, to produce an amplified sample, where: i. the amplifying is done using a first primer and a second primer; and ii. the first primer comprises a 3? terminal nucleotide that base pairs with the point mutation and also comprises a nucleotide sequence that is fully complementary to a sequence in the locus with the exception of a single base mismatch within 6 bases of the 3? terminal nucleotide; and b) detecting the presence of the product in the amplified sample using a flap assay that employs an invasive oligonucleotide. A kit for performing the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method of making an array of nucleic acid colonies, including the steps of (a) providing a substrate having a patterned surface of features, wherein the features are spatially organized in a repeating pattern on the surface of the substrate; (b) contacting the substrate with a solution of different target nucleic acids to seed no more than a subset of the features that contact the solution; (c) amplifying the nucleic acids on the subset of features; and (d) repeating steps (b) and (c) to increase the number of features that are seeded with a nucleic acid, thereby making an array of nucleic acid colonies.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high throughput method for the identification and detection of molecular markers wherein restriction fragments are generated and suitable adaptors comprising (sample-specific) identifiers are ligated. The adapter-ligated restriction fragments may be selectively amplified with adaptor compatible primers carrying selective nucleotides at their 3? end. The amplified adapter-ligated restriction fragments are, at least partly, sequenced using high throughput sequencing methods and the sequence parts of the restriction fragments together with the sample-specific identifiers serve as molecular markers.

Abstract: A kit to execute a method of simultaneously performing comparative transcript analysis in a multitude of samples. The kit includes a blocking adapter. The blocking adapter includes an inert 3? end.

Abstract: A method of preparing an antisense DNA probe for comparative transcript analysis. The method includes providing an antisense DNA probe. The method also includes linking a blocking adapter to the antisense DNA probe.

Abstract: A method of amplifying an HCV nucleic acid in an HCV infected sample comprises amplifying a segment of a DNA template that is complementary to a genome of HCV RNA from the sample by a two-stage PCR, wherein a first stage PCR employs a first outer primer and a second outer primer, and a second stage PCR employs a first inner primer and a second inner primer. The nucleotide sequence of the first outer primer comprises a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2; or SEQ ID NO:9, wherein optionally 1, 2 or 3 nucleotides are other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 9. The nucleotide sequence of the second outer primer comprises a nucleotide sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 or 4; or a nucleotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or 11, wherein optionally 1, 2 or 3 nucleotides are other nucleotides than those of SEQ ID NO: 10 and 11.

Abstract: This disclosure features, inter alia, methods for determining at least one property of a nucleic acid. The methods include: (a) fixing the nucleic acid on a planar surface; (b) digesting the nucleic acid into fragments with at least one enzyme; (c) imaging the nucleic acid; and (d) analyzing the imaged nucleic acid to determine the property of the nucleic acid, wherein no internal nucleic acid standard is added during the method.

Abstract: Modulation of PD-1 activity in the presence or absence of an agent as measured by a gene expression profile of at least two genes is provided. Reagents, kits, methods and uses thereof for the modulation of immune function comprise the identification of modulators of PD-1 activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a target nucleotide sequence. This method involves forming a ligation product on a target nucleotide sequence in a ligation detection reaction mixture, amplifying the ligation product to form an amplified ligation product in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) mixture, detecting the amplified ligation product, and identifying the target nucleotide sequence. Such coupling of the ligase detection reaction and the polymerase chain reaction permits multiplex detection of nucleic acid sequence difference.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for gender determination in the intron 1 region of the amelogenin locus and a newly discovered single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within the X chromosome of the amelogenin locus which can cause allelic dropout. Also disclosed are kits useful in gender determination.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for making differentiable amplicon species at unequal ratios using a single amplification system in a single vessel. The number of differentiable amplicons and their ratios to one another are chosen to span the required linear dynamic range for the amplification reaction and to accommodate limitations of the measuring system used to determine the amount of amplicon generated. Unequal amounts of distinguishable amplicon species are generated by providing unequal amounts of one or more amplification reaction components (e.g., distinguishable amplification oligomers, natural and unnatural NTP in an NTP mix, or the like). The amount of target nucleic acid present in a test sample is determined using the linear detection range generated from detection of one or more amplicon species having an amount within the dynamic range of detection.

Abstract: A method and a kit for the identification of chromosomal inversions are described. Single-stranded sister chromatids are generated, for example by CO-FISH. A plurality of non-repetitive, labeled probes of relatively small size are hybridized to portions of only one of a pair of single-stranded sister chromatids. If no inversion exists, all of the probes will hybridize to a first chromatid. If an inversion has occurred, these marker probes will be detected on the sister chromatid at the same location as the inversion on the first chromatid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a target nucleotide sequence. This method involves forming a ligation product on a target nucleotide sequence in a ligation detection reaction mixture, amplifying the ligation product to form an amplified ligation product in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) mixture, detecting the amplified ligation product, and identifying the target nucleotide sequence. Such coupling of the ligase detection reaction and the polymerase chain reaction permits multiplex detection of nucleic acid sequence difference.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a target nucleotide sequence. This method involves forming a ligation product on a target nucleotide sequence in a ligation detection reaction mixture, amplifying the ligation product to form an amplified ligation product in a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) mixture, detecting the amplified ligation product, and identifying the target nucleotide sequence. Such coupling of the ligase detection reaction and the polymerase chain reaction permits multiplex detection of nucleic acid sequence difference.

Abstract: A method for preserving and processing cell-free nucleic acids located within a blood sample is disclosed, wherein a blood sample containing cell-free nucleic acids is treated to reduce both blood cell lysis and nuclease activity within the blood sample. The treatment of the sample aids in increasing the amount of cell-free nucleic acids that can be identified and tested while maintaining the structure and integrity of the nucleic acids.

Abstract: A method for detecting a DNA having the mitochondrial DNA 3243 mutation is disclosed. Quantitative PCR is used with a primer having a nucleotide sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence starting from the nucleotide number 243 in SEQ ID NO: 2 and having a length of 12 to 30 nucleotides. A method is also disclosed for detecting a DNA having the mitochondrial DNA 3243 mutation by using a nucleic acid probe which is end labeled with a fluorescent dye. The fluorescence of the fluorescent dye decreases upon hybridization. The nucleic acid probe has a nucleotide sequence complementary to the nucleotide sequence starting from nucleotide number 230 in the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 and a length of 14 to 40 nucleotides. The 3? end of the probe is labeled with the fluorescent dye.