Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing at least one copy of a pair of complementary single stranded polynucleotides. The method comprises forming, in the presence of nucleoside triphosphates and template dependent polynucleotide polymerase along each of the complementary single stranded polynucleotides, an extension of a polynucleotide primer. The polynucleotide primer is comprised of at least a sequence of 16 nucleotides terminating at its 3′ end in a 2 to 9 nucleotide sequence (S1), which is complementary with the 3′ ends of both of the complementary single stranded polynucleotides. The polynucleotide primer has at least an 8 nucleotide sequence (S2) that is 5′ of S1, where S2 is 50 to 80% complementary to the nucleotide sequences contiguous with the 3′ ends of the complementary single stranded polynucleotides. The extended polynucleotide primer and the single stranded polynucleotides are then dissociated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA-based computer which is able to perm mathematical calculations such as addition as well as logical operations. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that DNA molecules can be used to perform operations analogous to "bit-flipping" in computers. This capability, referred to herein as "molecular bit-flipping", derives from the complementary nature of DNA sequences. According to the present invention, input data are each represented by single-stranded DNA molecules. Complementary DNA sequences are incorporated such that input molecules, which bear a relationship defined by the operation, hybridize and permit one or more template DNA strands to serve as templates for primer extension. Primer extension, in turn, creates a result DNA molecule which represents the output data, and may be read using straightforward molecular biological techniques.

Abstract: Nucleic acid analogues such as peptide-nucleic acids (PNAs) which hybridize strongly to nucleic acids are used to inhibit nucleic acid amplification procedures such as PCR. False positives in subsequent PCR assays are prevented by hybridizing a PNA to PCR amplification products. Assays capable of discriminating between single base mutants are conducted by using a PNA hybridizing to one of the two allelic forms to inhibit a PCR amplification of that form selectively. Asymmetric PCR amplifications are carried out by starting a PCR symmetrically using like quantities of forward and reverse primers, and, once the amplification is established, disabling one primer by hybridizing a PNA thereto.

Abstract: An oligonucleotide is intended to be used as a promoter non-template strand in the transcription of a sequence of a nucleotide target in the presence of a phage RNA polymerase. The phage RNA polymerase has specific natural promoters containing a consensus sequence from at least position -17 to position -1. The oligonucleotide contains a core sequence flanked at at least one of its ends by a nucleotide sequence capable of hybridization with a sequence of the target. The core sequence contains a sequence of 6 to 9 consecutive nucleotides from the region -12 to -4 of the non-template strand of the specific promoter, or a sufficiently homologous sequence to enable the functionality of the RNA polymerase to be retained.

Abstract: The invention concerns human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA and more particularly the probes derived from these papillomaviruses, as well as the methods of detecting HPV using these probes. These human papillomaviruses are designated as HPV-2d, HPV-10b, HPV-14a, HPV-14b, HPV-15, HPV-17a, HPV-17b, HPV-19, HPV-20, HPV-21, HPV-22, HPV-23, HPV-24, HPV-28, HPV-29, HPV-31, HPV-32, HPV-IP2 and HPV-IP4.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of nucleic acid sequence analysis based on repeated cycles of ligation to and cleavage of probes at the terminus of a target polynucleotide. At each such cycle one or more terminal nucleotides are identified and one or more nucleotides are removed from the end of the target polynucleotide, such that further cycles of ligation and cleavage can take place. At each cycle the target sequence is shortened by one or more nucleotides until the nucleotide sequence of the target polynucleotide is determined. The method obviates electrophoretic separation of similarly sized DNA fragments and eliminates the difficulties associated with the detection and analysis of spatially overlapping bands of DNA fragments in a gel, or like medium. The invention further obviates the need to generate DNA fragments from long single stranded templates with a DNA polymerase.

Abstract: A method for the detection of poor metabolizers of drugs using PCR technology is described comprising a) optionally amplifying a gene coding for an enzyme known to be responsible for the metabolization of drugs, thereby separating it from possible closely related pseudogens, b) amplifying different allelic forms of the gene of step a) and c) detecting the product of step b). Primers for amplification of the genes responsible for the debrisoquine or acetylation phenotype are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a chemiluminescent assay are disclosed. A test sample or multiple test samples is or are deposited on a supporting matrix and chemiluminescence of the sample(s) is effectuated. Low energy chemiluminescence emitted during chemiluminescence is removed by a light attenuation optical filter. Chemiluminescence is detected from the filtered light using a light detector means and chemiluminescence is counted using a chemiluminescence counter coupled to the light detector means.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of nucleic acid sequence analysis based on repeated cycles of ligation to and cleavage of probes at the terminus of a target polynucleotide. At each such cycle one or more terminal nucleotides are identified and one or more nucleotides are removed from the end of the target polynucleotide, such that further cycles of ligation and cleavage can take place. At each cycle the target sequence is shortened by one or more nucleotides until the nucleotide sequence of the target polynucleotide is determined. The method obviates electrophoretic separation of similarly sized DNA fragments and eliminates the difficulties associated with the detection and analysis of spatially overlapping bands of DNA fragments in a gel, or like medium. The invention further obviates the need to generate DNA fragments from long single stranded templates with a DNA polymerase.

Abstract: A process for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequencing, mapping, and diagnostics which utilizes the differences between the chemical composition of DNA and that of peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) to provide DNA sequencing, mapping, or diagnostics using natural DNA fragments, rather than using radioisotopes, stable isotopes or fluorescent substances to label the DNAs. The process includes the steps of hybridizing PNA segments to complementary DNA segments which are fixed to a hybridization surface, or hybridizing DNA segments to complementary PNA segments which are fixed to a hybridization surface, and using mass spectrometric or non-mass spectrometric techniques to analyze the extent of hybridization at each potential hybridization site.

Abstract: Direct label probe compositions which counterstain genomic DNA are provided that comprise mixed DNA segments which are covalently bound to fluorophore groups through linking groups. The mixed DNA segments are derived from the total genomic DNA of a multi-chromosomal organism, especially man, and the segment mixture is approximately representative of such total genomic DNA. These probe compositions can be used concurrently or sequentially with other probe compositions. Instead of intercalating with DNA as in prior art chemical counterstains, these probe compositions hybridize with complementary segments that are present in the genomic DNA of a specimen.

Abstract: The cystic fibrosis gene and its gene product are described for both the normal and mutant forms. The genetic and protein information is used in developing DNA diagnosis, protein diagnosis, carrier and patient screening, drug and gene therapy, cloning of the gene and manufacture of the protein, and development of cystic fibrosis affected animals.

Abstract: A method for conducting sequential nucleic acid hybridization steps is described, whereby the ability of earlier-used primers or probes to participate in subsequent hybridization steps can be minimized, even though the differences between primer lengths are relatively small. It also relates to a rapid and quantitative method for the sequential synthesis of polynucleotide sequences by using a plurality of oligonucleotide primers, with the earlier utilized primers causing a minimum of interference with the subsequent primed synthesis reactions, yet without the need for intermediate purification steps.

Abstract: The invention provides nuclease protection assay comprising: (A) attaching a nucleic acid probe comprising a first nucleotide sequence to a solid surface area; (B) contacting the nucleic acid probe with a nucleic acid template under conditions that promote hybridization between complementary polynucleotides, forming a probe-template complex if the template includes a segment that is complementary to the probe; (C) contacting the probe-template complex with a nuclease effective to selectively cleave the nucleotide bonds of (1) the first nucleotide sequence when the first nucleotide sequence is single stranded or (2) mismatched regions of the first nucleotide sequence when the first nucleotide sequence is in duplex nucleic acid; and (D) detecting the presence of duplex nucleic acids formed by the probe and template nucleic acids by detecting the presence of the first nucleotide sequence.

Abstract: Nucleic acid capture moieties, methods of using nucleic acid capture moieties, reaction mixtures including nucleic acid capture moieties, and kits including nucleic acid capture moieties are disclosed.

Abstract: A method, composition and kit for synthesizing multiple copies of a target nucleic acid sequence autocatalytically under conditions of substantially constant temperature, ionic strength, and pH are provided in which multiple RNA copies of the target sequence autocatalytically generate additional copies using a mixture of blocked and unblocked primers and/or promoter-primers to initiate DNA and RNA synthesis, preferably with reduced non-specific product formation. The invention is useful for generating copies of a nucleic acid target sequence for purposes that include assays to quantitate specific nucleic acid sequences in clinical, environmental, forensic and similar samples, cloning and generating probes.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for determining an unknown starting molar concentration of target nucleic acid molecules at the beginning of a polymerase chain reaction in a sample reaction mixture containing suitable buffers, two complementary kinds of oligonucleotide primers, a molar excess of four kinds of nucleoside triphosphates, a DNA polymerase, and the unknown starting molar concentration of target nucleic acid molecules, wherein the two kinds of primers are provided in a known concentration (C.sub.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method of dosaging a nucleic acid species comprising contacting a solid phase member or members, each member having a predetermined capacity of binding said nucleic acid species, with a sample containing the nucleic acid species to bind the nucleic acid species thereto, and then releasing the bound nucleic acid species into a desired processing or analytical means.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to novel materials and methods for suppressing amplification of particular DNA fragments during polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The PCR suppression method uses novel adapters that are ligated to the end of a DNA fragment prior to PCR amplification. Upon melting and annealing, single-stranded DNA fragments having self-complementary adapters at the 5'- and 3'-ends of the strand can form suppressive "pan-like" double-stranded structures that suppress amplification of the fragments during PCR. The subject method offers improved specificity and sensitivity of PCR amplification of a target DNA and does not require target DNA sequence information. The subject invention can be adapted to a variety of highly useful PCR techniques and applications.

Abstract: Provided are nucleic acids encoding AL-1 protein, as well as AL-1 protein produced by recombinant DNA methods. Such AL-1 protein is useful in preparing antibodies and in diagnosing and treating various neuronal disorders. The present invention provides methods to preferentially detect or amplify AL-1 nucleic acid in a sample using AL-1 nucleotide sequence probes.