Abstract: The present invention discloses methods and kits for the determination of the concentration of one or more analytes in a liquid sample using capture agents immobilised on a solid support and binding agents for binding the analyte(s), the binding agents having tail groups capable of binding to the respective capture agent. Preferably, the capture agents and binding agents are complementary oligonucleotides, and the capture agents are immobilised in the form of microspots. The use of the tail groups and capture agents can allow the binding of the analyte(s) to the binding agent(s) to take place in solution, rather than at a surface, improving the kinetics associated with this process. In addition, the user of the assay can customise any suitable binding agents for use with a universal support, by attaching tail groups them.

Abstract: A method of identifying at least a nucleic acid molecule fragment to which a protein of interest binds, comprising: (i) preparing at least one nucleic acid molecule fragment to which a protein binds; (ii) isolating the 5? terminus and the 3? terminus of the nucleic acid fragment(s) and linking the 5? terminus and 3? terminus to create the at least one ditag; (iii) sequencing the ditag; and (iv) mapping the ditag sequence(s) to the genome.

Abstract: Nucleotide sequences specific to Yersinia pestis that serve as markers or signatures for identification of this bacterium were identified. In addition, forward and reverse primers and hybridization probes derived from these nucleotide sequences that are used in nucleotide detection methods to detect the presence of the bacterium are disclosed.

Abstract: Novel splice variants as diagnostic markers, preferably membrane-bound. The novel variants according to the present invention may optionally be used for diagnosis of Marker-detectable disease as described herein, optionally through immunohistochemistry.

Abstract: Isolated CYP19A1 nucleic acid molecules that include a nucleotide sequence variant and nucleotides flanking the sequence variant are described, as well as CYP19A1 allozymes. Methods for determining the aromatase status of an individual also are provided, as are methods for determining if a subject is predisposed to certain clinical conditions.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for polymorphism detection and separation. The methods are readily multiplexed, can be adapted to a variety of existing detection systems, and permit target amplification without PCR. The methods permit allelic variants selectively to be isolated, with or without contemporaneous detection, and finds particular utility in facilitating the construction of coisogenic cell collections in which the cells differ genotypically by single nucleotide changes targeted to defined loci.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of screening pigs to identify those which have a genetic predisposition to have a thinner or thicker backfat thickness by assaying the pattern of the five single nucleotide polymorphisms in the HSP70.2 gene that is associated with backfat thickness.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the V617F variant of the protein-tyrosine kinase JAK2, said variant being responsible for Vaquez Polyglobulia. The invention also relates to a first intention diagnostic method for erythrocytosis and thrombocytosis allowing their association with myeloproliferative disorders, or to the detection of the JAK2 V617F variant in myeloproliferative disorders allowing their reclassification in a new nosological group.

Abstract: Isolated sulfotransferase 1A3 nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides that include nucleotide sequence variants and amino acid sequence variants are described. Methods for determining predisposition to particular clinical conditions and methods for determining sulfonator status also are described.

Abstract: The present invention uncovers a highly significant association of SNPs in the CNR2 locus, encoding the cannabinoid receptor 2 protein, with osteoporosis. Methods and kits for determining predisposition to osteoporosis, improving diagnosis in individuals suspected of having osteoporosis are provided. Also provided a method of identifying a putative osteoporosis-causing genetic mutation in a subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for determining a predisposition and surveillance protocols for developing cancer of various sites due to specific mutation in at least one allele of CHEK2 gene and/or at least one allele of NOD2 gene and/or at least one allele of CDKN2A gene.

Abstract: A nucleic acid comprising any one of base sequences set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 to NO:104 in the Sequence Listing and a protein encoded by the nucleic acid, particularly a nucleic acid displaying differential expression levels in hepatoblastoma and normal liver based on comparison therebetween and a protein encoded by the nucleic acid as well as tumor detection utilizing the foregoing.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to polynucleotides derived from M. tuberculosis genes imparting resistance to antibiotics and chemically related compounds. This invention also relates to the use of the polynucleotides as oligonucleotide primers or probes for detecting M. tuberculosis strains that are resistant to antibiotics and related compounds in a biological sample. Kits containing the primers and probes are also provided.

Abstract: A method for detecting a specific sequence, a mutation and/or a polymorphisms, including a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), is based on the use of RecA-like recombinase protein and primer extension (PE) or oligonucleotide ligation assays (OLA). RecA coated, specific DNA oligonucleotide probes (RecA filaments) are used for homology searching in duplex DNA. Location of homologous sequences results in the formation of D-loop or double D-loop structures containing a duplex regions comprising the oligonucleotide probe and one strand of the target DNA. In the case of the PE methods, probes are selected to terminate with their 3? end adjacent to the site of mutation or SNP such that a single nucleotide or terminator addition to the primer will be diagnostic of the mutation or SNP.

Abstract: Methods for the production and use of stable complexes of duplex nucleic acid molecules and oligonucleotides are presented. These complexes can be used for the detection and purification of a known nucleic acid target as well as the manipulation of a defined nucleic acid target sequence.

Abstract: The present invention describes Histoplasmosis capsulatum chitin synthase nucleic acid and protein sequences as reagents for the detection of H. capsulatum infection. Specifically, the invention describes intron sequences from the H. capsulatum chitin synthase gene which can be used for hybridization-based and PCR-based detection of H. capsulatum infection. In another embodiment, assays for H. capsulatum chitin synthase 2 polypeptide and/or mRNA used as a diagnostic test for H. capsulatum infection and/or histoplasmosis. Also described is the differentiation of H. capsulatum from Blastomyces dermititidis based on detection of intron 1 sequences specific to H. capsulatum chitin synthase 2. The present invention also comprises the production of H. capsulatum strains lacking functional chitin synthase 2 as a means to produce H. capsulatum having reduced pathogenicity.

Abstract: The present invention describes Histoplasmosis capsulatum catalase A and catalase P nucleic acid and protein sequences as reagents for the detection of H. capsulatum infection. Specifically, the invention describes intron sequences from the H. capsulatum catalase A (CATA) and catalase P (CATP) genes which can be used for hybridization and PCR based detection of H. capsulatum infection. In another embodiment, assays for H. capsulatum catalase P or catalase A polypeptides are used as diagnostic tests for H. capsulatum infection and histoplasmosis, respectively. Also described is the differentiation of H. capsulatum from Blastomyces dermititidis based on a H. capsulatum catalase P PCR based assay.

Abstract: Novel full-length cDNAs are provided. 1970 cDNA derived from human have been isolated. The full-length nucleotide sequences of the cDNA and amino acid sequences encoded by the nucleotide sequences have been determined. Because the cDNA of the present invention are full-length and contain the translation start site, they provide information useful for analyzing the functions of the polypeptide.

Abstract: An objective of this invention is to provide a method which can specifically enrich a desired DNA with a long insert size from a DNA library and can provide a clone of the DNA directly. This invention provides a method of constructing a DNA library having increased proportion of a first double-stranded DNA therein by removing, from an original library containing the first double-stranded DNA to be increased in proportion, a second double-stranded DNA different from the first double-stranded DNA.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition which is used to enhance the elasticity and/or appearance of tissue. Specifically, the present invention is directed to a composition formulated from peptides having low molecular weights and which substantially correspond to sequences found in elastin. These peptides are used in conjunction with or in combination with retinoids, preferably tretinoin.