Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel polynucleotides and the polypeptides encoded by them, each of which are specific to human prostate tumor cells. The present invention further provides chimeric polypeptide molecules comprising the polypeptides of the present invention fused to heterologous polypeptide sequences, and antibodies which bind to the polypeptides of the present invention. Also provided herein are methods for producing the polypeptides of the present invention, as are detection assays that detect the presence of tumor cells in tissue or bodily fluid samples and methods for identifying novel compositions which modulate the activity of prostate tumor antigens and the use of such compositions in diagnosis and treatment of disease.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting and quantitating a DNA base modification in a sample of DNA, wherein the method involves an endonuclease digestion step, a labeling step, and a chromatographic separation step. Utilized in the method are compositions including a carrier for the DNA base modification, an internal standard, and a carrier for the internal standard. Also provided are methods for synthesizing the compositions, and kits containing the compositions.

Abstract: A method for quantitative measurement of gene expression through multiplex competitive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction amplification has been established which comprises isolating cellular mRNA of a target gene and a housekeeping gene which are then reverse transcribed and specifically amplified in the presence of competitive templates such that a ratio of target to housekeeping gene is obtained and used to assess the amount of gene expression. This method is useful for analysis of the small specimens (cells and tissues) available from human subjects and will allow improved understanding of mechanisms of disease.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for evaluating resistance of an animal of the genus Bos to persistent lymphocytosis. The method includes the steps of (a) obtaining a sample of DNA from the animal that includes a DRB3 gene exon 2; (b) identifying nucleotides of the DRB3 gene exon 2; and (c) determining whether the nucleotides contain codons that encode a glutamic acid at position 70 and an arginine at position 71, a valine at position 75, an aspartic acid at position 76, a threonine at position 77, and a tyrosine at position 78 of the DRB3 gene product, the presence of which codons indicates susceptibility to persistent lymphocytosis. Kits containing primers that hybridize to nucleotide positions 70 and 71 or 75-78 of the DRB3 gene exon 2 are also provided.

Abstract: A process for the detection of a nucleic acid sequence in a homogeneous assay format using an energy transfer system is disclosed. This process utilizes a 5' labeled primer containing a selfcomplementary sequence in an amplification or extension process together with a subsequent detection step using a 3' labeled probe for the amplified or extended region. The labels will be close together in space after hybridizing the probe close to the short piece of double-stranded DNA resulting from backfolding of the selfcomplementary region of the primer which has been incorporated into the amplified or extended product. A new primer for use in this process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the reliable production of proteins by amplifying, transcribing and translating the gene encoding the protein in an essentially cell-free system (gene amplification with transcription/translation, GATT). In the case of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), over 1 billion copies of DHFR are produced per original fol gene.

Abstract: A method is provided herein for preparing soluble recombinant variations of Borrelia lipoproteins such as Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface protein A (OspA) and outer surface protein B (OspB), and B. hermsii variable major protein 7 (Vmp7). The method includes synthesizing a set of oligonucleotide primers, amplifying the template DNA utilizing the PCR, purifying the amplification products, cloning the amplification products into a suitable expression vector, transforming a suitable host utilizing the cloned expression vector, cultivating the transformed host for protein production and subsequently isolating and purifying the resulting protein. Also provided are soluble, recombinant variations of Borrelia burgdorferi outer surface protein A (OspA), outer surface protein B (OspB), and B. hermsii variable major protein 7 (Vmp7). The expression vectors harboring DNA encoding the recombinant variations, pET9-OspA, pET9-OspB and pET9-Vmp7, as well as the E.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, primers, probes, and kits for the rapid amplification and detection of nucleic acids. The invention provides improved methods for amplifying small amounts of nucleic acid in a sample in which the amplification steps are conducted at the same temperature, or alternatively, at two different temperatures. The invention also provides improved methods for detecting the amplified nucleic acid in which the detection signal is boosted. Related probes and test kits are also provided. The invention is particularly useful in the detection of HIV-1.

Abstract: A method for detecting a target nucleic acid, which method includes the steps of (i) amplifying the target nucleic acid to obtain an amplification product using a polymerase, a first primer with or without a segment noncontiguous to a first priming sequence, and a second primer with or without a segment noncontiguous to a second priming sequence in the presence of an oligonucleotide which is incapable of acting as a primer for the polymerase, wherein the oligonucleotide has at least 5 consecutive nucleotides fully complementary to at least 5 consecutive nucleotides of the first primer; and (ii) detecting the presence of the target nucleic acid by monitoring the amplification thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to the observed tight linkage between DNA polymorphisms in the glucokinase gene (GCK) on the short arm of chromosome 7, and NIDDM in a cohort of sixteen French families having MODY. It further relates to identification of mutations in GCK and their linkage with diabetes in particular families are disclosed. This invention provides the first evidence implicating specific mutations in a gene involved in glucose metabolism in the pathogenesis of NIDDM. The invention further discloses the isolation and characterization of human pancreatic .beta.-cell GCK and a method for searching for mutations that cause early-onset NIDDM. To assess the effect of these mutations on glucokinase activity, a method is disclosed for generating an .alpha.-carbon backbone model for human glucokinase based on the crystal structure of the structurally-related yeast hexokinase B.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment and diagnosis of diseases amenable to modulation of the synthesis or metabolism of arachidonic acid and related compounds. In accordance with preferred embodiments, oligonucleotides and oligonucleotide analogs are provided which are specifically hybridizable with nucleic acids encoding 5-lipoxygenase, 5-lipoxygenase activating proteins, LTA.sub.4 hydrolase, phospholipase A.sub.2, phospholipase C, and coenzyme A-independent transacylase. The oligonucleotide comprises nucleotide units sufficient in identity and number to effect said specific hybridization. In other preferred embodiments, the oligonucleotides are specifically hybridizable with a transcription initiation site, a translation initiation site, and intron/exon junction.

Abstract: The use of the superoxide dismutase (SOD) gene system as a target for the detection and differentiation of pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms including bacteria, fungi and protozoans is described. Also described are oligonucleotides which may be used in the form of primers and probes to amplify and detect target sequences derived from SOD genes, especially from SOD genes of pathogenic and non-pathogenic organisms.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide primers and methods for identifying strains of bacteria by genomic fingerprinting are described. The methods are applicable to a variety of samples. The testing procedure includes amplifying the bacterial DNA in the sample to be tested by adding a pair of outwardly-directed primers to the sample. The primers are capable of hybridizing to repetitive DNA sequences in the bacterial DNA and extending outwardly from one hybridizable repetitive sequence to another hybridizable repetitive sequence. After amplification the extension products are separated by size and the specific strain of bacteria is determined by measuring the pattern of sized extension products. The procedure to identify strains of bacteria by fingerprinting has a variety of uses including: identifying bacteria in infections, agriculture and horticulture plots, bioremediation, food monitoring, production monitoring and quality assurance and quality control.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method of introducing at least one predetermined change in a nucleic acid sequence of a double-strand DNA.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for generating a recombinant library by introducing one or more changes within a predetermined region of double-stranded nucleic acid, comprising providing a first primer population and a second primer population, each of the populations having a variable base composition at known positions along the primers, the primers incorporating a class IIS restriction enzyme recognition sequence, being capable of directing change in the nucleic acid sequence and being substantially complementary to the double stranded nucleic acid to permit hybridization thereto.

Abstract: Method for detection of mitochondrial nucleotide associated with predisposition for ototoxic deafness, especially deafness associated with the administration of aminoglycosides, is described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for testing a blood unit for viral contamination without rendering the blood unit unusable for therapeutic applications. The method comprises the steps of: removing and collecting from a blood unit a majority of the leukocytes present therein with a leukocyte filter; and using the leukocytes collected in and on the filter to test the blood unit for viral contamination. The present invention also provides a method for validating viral inactivation processes.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the hybridization signal of a nucleic acid hybridization assay for the DNA or RNA of a Salmonella in a sample by adding the sample to a RV growth medium under conditions sufficient to allow any Salmonella in the sample to propagate, propagating Salmonella, if any, in the medium for a time sufficient to allow the number of Salmonella to reach a predetermined titer, removing trace minerals from the medium, adding a nucleic acid probe to the medium under stringency conditions sufficient to allow the probe to preferentially hybridize with the Salmonella, if any, to form hybridization products that emit an enhanced signal, and assaying the medium to detect the enhanced signal. The method is especially suited for detecting Salmonella in food samples.

Abstract: Single-chain analogs of the naturally occurring two-chain peptide monellin retain the sweetening properties of the natural protein and are stable under conditions which would otherwise destabilize the native peptide. A covalent linkage joins peptides corresponding to portions of the A and B chains of the naturally occurring protein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gene encoding stromylsin-3, which is a new member of the metalloproteinase family. Expression of the stromelysin-3 gene has been found to be specifically associated with invasive breast, head, neck and skin cancer. The invention also relates to antibodies which specifically bind to human stromylsin-3 and the use of these stromelysin-3 antibodies for detection of the stromylsin-3 protein in a sample.