Abstract: This invention is directed to the elucidation of DNA sequences encoding Class B beta-lactamase enzymes from Bacteroides fragilis and the amino acid sequences of those enzymes. This invention is also directed to screening methods for identifying antibiotics which are resistant to such beta-lactamase enzymes or for identifying compounds which inactivate such beta-lactamase enzymes.

Abstract: The presence invention contemplates chromophore-containing polynucleotides having at least two donor chromophores operatively linked to the polynucleotide by linker arms, such that the chromophores are positioned by linkage along the length of the polynucleotide at a donor-donor transfer distance, and at least one fluorescing acceptor chromophore operatively linked to the polynucleotide by a linker arm, such that the fluorescing acceptor chromophore is positioned by linkage at a donor-acceptor transfer distance from at least one of the donor chromophores, to form a photonic structure for collecting photonic energy and transferring the energy to an acceptor chromophore.

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: Disclosed are methods of producing a synthetic oligonucleotide of selected nucleotide sequence which is internally functionalized at at least one selected location with an aminoalkyl-phosphoramidate and labelled with a nonradioactive material. Also disclosed are oligonucleotides produced by this method.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the replication and amplification of RNA sequences by thermoactive DNA polymerases. In a preferred embodiment, high temperature reverse transcription is coupled to nucleic acid amplification in a one tube, one enzyme procedure using a thermostable DNA polymerase. Methods for eliminating carry over contamination of amplifications due to prior reverse transcription reactions are also provided. Reagents particularly suited for the methods of the present invention are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of selectively detecting Giardia lamblia in a sample. The method makes use of at least one nucleic acid probe which is a DNA or PNA sequence which hybridizes, under appropriate conditions, to the ribosomal RNA or the ribosomal DNA of Giardia lamblia but does not hybridize to the ribosomal RNA or the ribosomal DNA of other organisms (non-Giardia lamblia organisms) which may be present in a sample.

Abstract: A polynucleotide encoding a 17-kD virulence protein, called EppA, from Borrelia burgdorferi is provided. The protein encoded by the polynucleotide of the invention is useful immunologically as a vaccine for Lyme borreliosis caused by B. burgdorferi. Methods and kits for detection of EppA polynucleotide are also provided.

Abstract: Stabilized reverse transcriptase and RNA polymerase compositions for use in nucleic acid amplification. Compositions are provided for the stabilization of one or more enzymes in a single stabilized formulation. Additional compositions incorporate a dried, stabilized enzyme mixture together with necessary cofactors and enzyme substrates in a single container for use upon rehydration. Also disclosed are methods for making and using stabilized enzyme compositions and kits for nucleic acid amplification incorporating the disclosed compositions of reverse transcriptase and RNA polymerase lyophilized with a cryoprotectant stabilizing agent including trehalose and polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method for amplifying the polymerase activity of a nucleic acid polymerase using Group 3 ions. Group 3 ions of the subject invention can also be used to inhibit the enzymatic activity of nucleases. The subject invention further concerns a method for identifying an unknown nucleic acid polymerase or other enzymes in a sample.

Abstract: A polynucleotide which has been modified by a hydrophobic moiety so that the polynucleotide attaches to a substrate by the hydrophobic moiety, rather than by a portion of the polynucleotide, thereby allowing the polynucleotide to be available for hybridization.

Abstract: A method for detecting and a method for treating a cell proliferative disorder associated with glutathione-S-transferase (GSTP1) expression is provided. The method includes direct detection of a hypermethylated GSTP1 promoter, or indirect detection of decreased GSTP1 mRNA or GSTP1 protein in a suspect tissue sample.

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 spacially 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: The present invention relates to purified DNA sequences encoding all or a portion of an osteoclast-specific or -related gene products and a method for identifying such sequences. The invention also relates to antibodies directed against an osteoclast-specific or -related gene product. Also claimed are DNA constructs capable of replicating DNA encoding all or a portion of an osteoclast-specific or -related gene product, and DNA constructs capable of directing expression in a host cell of an osteoclast-specific or -related gene product.

Abstract: The invention describes a new method to sequence DNA. The improvements over the existing DNA sequencing technologies are high speed, high throughput, no electrophoresis and gel reading artifacts due to the complete absence of an electrophoretic step, and no costly reagents involving various substitutions with stable isotopes. The invention utilizes the Sanger sequencing strategy and assembles the sequence information by analysis of the nested fragments obtained by base-specific chain termination via their different molecular masses using mass spectrometry, as for example, MALDI or ES mass spectrometry. A further increase in throughput can be obtained by introducing mass-modifications in the oligonucleotide primer, chain-terminating nucleoside triphosphates and/or in the chain-elongating nucleoside triphosphates, as well as using integrated tag sequences which allow multiplexing by hybridization of tag specific probes with mass differentiated molecular weights.

Abstract: Since sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) binds tightly to proteins but not to DNA, the addition of potassium chloride (KCl) to SDS lysates of cells, nuclei or mitochondria results in the formation of an insoluble precipitate which includes all proteins and detergent-resistant DNA-protein complexes separated from free DNA in the supernatant. The amount of SDS-precipitable DNA represents a measure of crosslinked DNA-protein. This precipitation method is useful for determining or quantitating crosslinked DNA-protein formed in cells, nuclei or mitochondria of animals following their exposure to crosslinking agents such as chromate, nickel, cis-Pt (II) diammine dichloride and formaldehyde. The method is also useful for evaluating agents for their ability to induce covalent DNA-protein crosslinking.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions comprising Bovine Herpesvirus-1 (BHV-1) specific oligonucleotides which are useful as nested primers to amplify sequences of the BHV-1 gIV gene during enzymatic nucleic acid amplification. The invention also provides a method for the detection of BHV-1 which may be present in a clinical specimen, particularly bovine semen, using the BHV-1 specific nested primers and enzymatic nucleic acid amplification. The present invention also relates to a BHV-1 specific oligonucleotide which can be used as a probe to facilitate detection of amplified products derived from BHV-1 gIV gene sequences.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a DNA probe adapted to be used as a PCR target for the detection of the presence of C. stellatoidea and a subgroup of C. albicans strains in a biological sample, which comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or any functional analogs thereof wherein the hybridization of the probe and the rRNA of C. albicans is substantially preserved. The present invention also relates to a method for the detection of trace amount of C. stellatoidea or a subgroup of C. albicans in a biological sample, which comprises the steps of: a) isolating DNA from said biological sample; b) amplifying said isolated DNA of step a) with paired oligonucleotides: 5' primer: 5' AAC TTA GAA CTG GTA CGG 3' (SEQ ID NO:2), 3' primer: 5' AGT AGA TAG GGA CAG TGG 3' (SEQ ID No:3); or 5' GAC TCT CAA CCT ATA AGG 3' (SEQ ID NO:4), 3' primer: 5' TTA AGC ATT GCT CCA AGA 3' (SEQ ID NO:5); c) isolating amplified DNA of step b) and determining the presence or absence of C.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of producing a synthetic oligonucleotide of selected nucleotide sequence which is internally functionalized at least one selected location with an aminoalkylphosphotriester, and labelled with a nonradioactive material. Also disclosed are oligonucleotides produced by this method.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of producing a synthetic oligonucleotide of selected nucleotide sequence which is internally functionalized at at least one selected location with an aminoalkylphosphorothioamidate and labelled with a nonradioactive material. Also disclosed are oligonucleotides produced by this method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the isolation of genes encoding novel protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) having SH2 domains, the nucleic acid sequences isolated, and the encoded phosphatases. The invention further relates to methods of altering tyrosine phosphatase activities encoded by the novel phosphatases. By altering (i.e., increasing or decreasing) tyrosine phosphatase activity, one can alter megakaryocyte cell function, and thereby alter platelet production. Alteration of the genes is associated with neoplastic disease.