Abstract: Methods are disclosed for the determination of degree of relatedness between individuals having the same or different surnames, based on comparisons of specific Y chromosome polymorphisms.

Abstract: A kit is provided for detecting a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, the kit comprising: a first hybridization probe which includes a nucleic acid sequence that is sufficiently complementary to selectively hybridize to a first portion of the target sequence, the first hybridization probe including a first complexing agent for forming a binding pair with a second complexing agent; and a second hybridization probe which includes a nucleic acid sequence that is sufficiently complementary to selectively hybridize to a second portion of the target sequence to which the first hybridization probe does not selectively hybridize, the second hybridization probe including a detectable marker; a third hybridization probe which includes a nucleic acid sequence that is sufficiently complementary to selectively hybridize to a first portion of the target sequence, the third hybridization probe including the same detectable marker as the second hybridization probe; and a fourth hybridization probe which includes a

Abstract: A method for detecting a predisposition to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using a unique panel of primers for identifying genetic alterations that are linked to HCC, as well as kits for carrying out the methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: Probe sequences that are useful for detecting oncogenic HPV types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59 and 68 are herein provided. These sequences can be used in hybridization assays or amplification based assays designed to detect the presence of these oncogenic HPV types in a test sample. Additionally, the sequences can be provided as part of a kit.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of distinguishing melanocytic nevi, such as Spitz nevi, from malignant melanoma. The methods comprise contacting a nucleic acid sample from a patient with a probe which binds selectively to a target polynucleotide sequence on a chromosomal region such as 11p, which is usually amplified in Spitz nevi. The nucleic acid sample is typically from skin tumor cells located within a tumor lesion on the skin of the patient. Using another probe which binds selectively to a chromosomal region such as 1q, 6p, 7p, 9p, or 10q, which usually show altered copy number in melanoma, the method can determine that those tumor cells with no changes in copy number of 1q, 6p, 7p, 9p, or 10q, are not melanoma cells but rather Spitz nevus cells. The finding of amplifications of chromosome 11p would be an additional indication of Spitz nevus.

Abstract: A noninvasive method utilizing feces, containing sloughed colonocytes, as a sensitive technique for detecting diagnostic colonic biomarkers as well as a method for isolating poly A +RNA from feces. The method allows the isolation and quantitation of specific eukarotic mRNAs as candidate biomarkers for colon cancer isolated from feces.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detection method performed on a maternal serum or plasma sample from a pregnant female, which method comprises detecting the presence of a nucleic acid of foetal origin in the sample. The invention enables non-invasive prenatal diagnosis including for example sex determination, blood typing and other genotyping, and detection of pre-eclampsia in the mother.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and kit for determining if a subject is at increased or decreased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease. The invention further concerns vectors, transformed cells or transgenic mammals which can be used in a method for the screening of compound capable of modulating the expression of the GluR-5 gene or the activity of the GluR-5 receptor. The compounds selected by the method of the invention, as medicament for the treatment or the prevention of Alzheimer's disease, also form part of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel STR markers for DNA fingerprinting. More specifically, the invention relates to seven different STR markers for DNA fingerprinting of a DNA sample, whereby each marker comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOS:1 to 7 as set forth in FIGS. 1A-1B.

Abstract: Methods for determining a potential of a hyperglycemic patient to develop vascular complications in response to oxidative stress and for determining the importance of reducing oxidative stress in a specific hyperglycemic patient are disclosed. Each method includes the step of determining a haptoglobin phenotype of the patient. A variety of means of making this determination are further disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an Aspergillus fumigatus N-myristoyltransferase gene and its use in identifying antifungal agents, for example.

Abstract: A method for specifically diagnosing spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) is disclosed. In the method of the present invention, PCR is carried out using a first primer which hybridizes with a part of the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1, a second primer which hybridizes with a part of the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:3, and a test DNA as a template, and the number of CAG repeats is measured in the amplified PCR product. Since the numbers of CAG repeat in the genes of SCA2 patients are not less than 35 while those of normal individuals are 15 to 24, diagnosis of SCA2 can be carried out by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: DNA sequences are provided which are useful in identifying different fermentation-related microorganisms, such as those involved in fermentations. These DNA sequences can be used to provide oligonucleotide primers in PCR based analysis for the identification of fermentation-related microorganisms. The DNA sequences of the present invention include the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of the ribosomal RNA gene regions of particular fermentation-related microorganisms, as well as oligonucleotide primers which are derived from these regions which are capable of identifying the particular microorganism.

Abstract: A method of gene diagnosis of diseases wherein TNF-&agr; promoters participate, such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, chronic rheumatism or diabetes, by determining in the nucleotides at the −857, −863 and/or −1031 positions in the 5′-flanking region of a TNF-&agr; gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of diabetes. More particularly, it concerns the identification of genes responsible for NIDDM1 for use in diagnostic and therapeutic applications. The present invention demonstrates that the NIDDM1 locus is, in fact, the calpain 10 gene. The invention further relates to the discovery that analysis of mutations in calpain genes and gene products can be diagnostic for type 2 diabetes. The invention also contemplates methods of treating diabetes in view of the fact that calpain mutations can cause diabetes. Further, the invention relates to novel polynucleotides of the NIDDM1 locus and polypeptides encoded by such polynucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nucleic acid detecting agent able to interact with a target sequence through catenation. The invention provides a nucleic acid detecting reagent comprising a) two free nucleic acid ends which are at least partially complementary to and capable of hybridizing to two adjacent regions of a target nucleic acid sequence; and b) an intermediate segment between the ends, the intermediate segment being labeled with a least one detectable element selected from the group consisting of chromophores, fluorophores, luminescers, radiolabels, affinity groups and enzymes, wherein only the ends of the reagent hybridize to the target nucleic acid sequence.

Abstract: Disclosed are the Hmp class of polypeptides, DNA sequences encoding those polypeptides, and uses thereof, particularly in methods and kits for mismatch (for example, mutation) detection.

Abstract: The invention provides gene markers for chronic mucosal injury and ulcerative colitis. Expression products of the REG gene family can be used to detect the presence of chronic mucosal injury in a body sample of a human. The expression products of a gene represented by a Hs.111244 polynucleotide can be used to detect ulcerative colitis in a body sample of a human. Further, these markers can be used to differentiate humans with chronic mucosal injury from humans with common acute inflammatory colon disorder, common non-inflammatory benign colon disorder, and healthy colons. The degree of injury to the colon from chronic mucosal injury can be determined and the efficacy of therapy for chronic mucosal injury can be monitored. A method of screening compounds for anti-chronic mucosal injury and anti-ulcerative activity is also provided by these gene markers.

Abstract: The invention provides dexB polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding dexb polypeptides and methods for producing such polypeptides by recombinant techniques. Also provided are methods for utilizing dexB polypeptides to screen for antibacterial compounds.

Abstract: A novel insulinoma-associated, neuroendocrine tumor-associated cDNA sequence is disclosed. The sequence and fragments thereof are useful for the diagnosis and identification of insulinoma and neuroendocrine tumors. The invention relates to a method for identifying a cancer employing the insulinoma-associated nucleic acid, polypeptide and antibody generated thereto.