Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of using DNA polymerase fusions at high pH in PCR, DNA sequencing and mutagenesis protocols.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel methods of multiplexing nucleic acid reactions, including amplification, detection and genotyping. The invention relies on the use of precircle probes that are circularized in the presence of the corresponding target nucleic acids, cleaved, and then amplified.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of amplifying genomic DNA to obtain an amplified representative population of genome fragments. Methods are further provided for obtaining amplified genomic DNA representations of a desired complexity. The invention further provides methods for simultaneously detecting large numbers of typable loci for an amplified representative population of genome fragments. Accordingly the methods can be used to genotype individuals on a genome-wide scale.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods of using DNA polymerase fusions at high pH in PCR, DNA sequencing and mutagenesis protocols.

Abstract: The invention provides caspase recruitment domain (CARD)-containing polypeptides, CARD, NB-ARC, ANGIO-R, LRR and SAM domains therefrom, as well as encoding nucleic acid molecules and specific antibodies. The invention also provides related screening, diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining of accurately determining the copy number of a nucleotide sequence I in a sample using an amplification technique, such as PCR. In addition, a second nucleotide sequence II is also measured and calibration curves for each are made, from which the relative copy number CN can be determined. According to the present invention, accuracy is improved by performing multiple amplifications in a single well using real time PCR.

Abstract: Methods for detection of a cell proliferative disorder, such as cancer, are provided utilizing analysis of target mutant nucleic acids in saliva specimens. The presence of the target mutant nucleic acids is indicative of a neoplastic disorder of the lung or the head and neck.

Abstract: The present invention provides a negatively charged minor groove binding compound, oligonucleotide conjugates comprising the same, and methods for using the same. The negatively charged minor groove binding compounds of the present invention comprises an acidic moiety that is capable of being ionized under physiological conditions. In particular, the negatively charged minor groove binding compound of the present invention comprises a binding moiety that binds preferentially into a minor groove of a double, triple or higher stranded DNA, RNA, PNA or hybrids thereof. The binding moiety comprises at least one aryl moiety and an acidic moiety which is covalently attached to a phenyl portion of the aryl moiety or to a heteroatom of a heteroaryl portion of the aryl moiety.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel primers and methods for the detection of specific nucleic acid sequences. The primers and methods of the invention are useful in a wide variety of molecular biology applications and are particularly useful in allele specific PCR.

Abstract: A method for evaluating microsatellite instability associated with a tumor, which entails the steps of amplifying microsatellite loci in a biological sample containing genomic DNA from the tumor and determining sizes of DNA amplification products, wherein at least one microsatellite locus selected from the group consisting of NR 21, NR 22, NR 24 and NR 27, is amplified.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, kits, and other components for detecting multiple nucleic acids in a sample. The methods and kits may be useful for detecting Neisseria in a sample. In some embodiments, the methods include (a) reacting a mixture that includes (i) nucleic acid isolated from the sample; (ii) at least a first specific primer capable of being used to amplify specifically nucleic acid of Neisseria gonorrhea; (iii) at least a second specific primer capable of being used to amplify specifically nucleic acid of a non-gonococcal species of Neisseria; (iv) at least a universal primer capable of being used to amplify specifically nucleic acid of Neisseria gonorrhea and nucleic acid of a non-gonococcal species of Neisseria; and (b) amplifying and detecting nucleic acid of at least one of Neisseria gonorrhea and a non-gonococcal species of Neisseria. The disclosed kits may include one or more components for performing the disclosed methods.

Abstract: Provided is a method of removing protein while not removing nucleic acids from a biological sample containing protein, the method including: adding a compound of formula I below and a protein nucleating agent to the biological sample containing protein: where at least two of R1, R2, and R3 substituents are substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl groups and the other substituent is a hydrogen atom or a substituted or unsubstituted C1-C6 alkyl group, a is an integer of 1 to 6, and b is 0 or 1, wherein b is 0 when a is not 1; treating the resultant mixture with a hydrophobic surface material in order to obtain a protein-free mixture; and separating the protein-free mixture from the hydrophobic surface material to which the protein is bound. By using the method, the protein can be selectively, effectively removed from the biological sample containing the protein while a nucleic acid is maintained in the sample.

Abstract: Minor groove binder-oligonucleotide probes are provided along with methods for their use wherein the probes have an attached fluorophore which, in an unhybridized form exhibits very low background signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method of amplifying closed circular nucleic acid probes and, more particularly, to a method of amplifying closed circular nucleic acid probes by rolling circle amplification. The method of the present invention is useful in a range of applications involving the detection of nucleic acid sequences such as, but not limited to, the identification of genetic disorders, genetic variants or the presence of microbiological or viral agents.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for enhancing synthesis of nucleic acid molecules, particularly GC-rich nucleic acid molecules. Specifically, the invention provides compositions comprising one or more nitrogen-containing organic compounds having a formula selected from the group consisting of formula I and formula II (or salts or derivatives thereof), preferably 4-methylmorpholine N-oxide or betaine (carboxymethyltrimethylammonium), and further comprising one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of proline and an N-alkylimidazole compound, and more preferably proline, 1-methylimidazole or 4-methylimidazole. The invention further relates to methods for enhanced, high-fidelity synthesis of nucleic acid molecules, including via amplification (particularly PCR), reverse transcription, and sequencing methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting, quantifying and high throughput screening of donor-products and the catalytic activities generating the donor-products in group-transfer reactions. The invention further provides immunoassays, antibodies and kits that may be used to practice the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Provided are Nocardia farcinica-specific primers comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1-39. Provided is a polynucleotide represented by SEQ ID NO:41 and SEQ ID NO:40. Further provided is a method of identifying a Nocardia farcinica infection in a subject with the primer identified by SEQ ID NO:1-39, or detecting the presence of a polynucleotide consisting of the nucleotide sequence represented by SEQ ID NO:40 or SEQ ID NO:41. Also provided is a method of identifying Nocardia farcinica infection in a subject by amplifying DNA from the subject using a Nocardia farcinica-specific primer comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:1-39. Further provided is a kit for identifying Nocardia farcinica comprising a Nocardia farcinica-specific primer comprising SEQ ID: NO:1-39 and a kit for identifying Nocardia farcinica comprising a Nocardia farcinica specific primer capable of amplifying SEQ ID NO:41.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for the preparation of modified nucleic acids. In particular, the present invention provides novel reagents and chemistries for the generation of linkers and modified phosphoramidates.

Abstract: The present invention includes modified phytochrome A (PHYA) nucleic acid molecules in which Pr absorption spectra have been shifted to longer wavelength (i.e. bathochromism or red-shift). The plants with the bathochromic phytochromes are expected to respond to canopy and shade conditions for growth and development with greater efficiency than the plants with wild-type phytochrome (i.e. suppression of shade avoidance reactions in plants). Since the shade avoidance reactions in plants induce a rapid and dramatic increase in the extension growth of stems and petioles at the expense of leaf growth, storage organ production, and reproductive development, it causes significant losses of crop yields. Thus, the bathochromic phytochromes that utilize the shade light efficiently would suppress the shade avoidance reactions in plants, giving plants the tolerance to shade.