Abstract: This invention discloses high-affinity oligonucleotide ligands to the thermostable Taq polymerase, Tth polymerase and TZ05 polymerase. Specifically, this invention discloses DNA ligands having the ability to bind to the Taq, Tth and TZ05 polymerases and the methods for obtaining such ligands. The ligands are capable of inhibiting polymerases at any predetermined temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the selective covalent modification of nucleic acids with redox active moieties such as transition metal complexes. Electron donor and electron acceptor moieties are covalently bound to the ribose-phosphate backbone of a nucleic acid at predetermined positions. The resulting complexes represent a series of new derivatives that are bimolecular templates capable of transferring electrons over very large distances at extremely fast rates. These complexes possess unique structural features which enable the use of an entirely new class of bioconductors and photoactive probes.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes the SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands for EXponential Enrichment) method for identifying and preparing nucleic acid ligands to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and thrombin. Included in the invention are nucleic acid ligands to bFGF which are inhibitors of bFGF and 2′-amino-modified RNA ligands to bFGF. Further included in the present invention are modified nucleotide sequences to thrombin based on the sequences of the RNA ligands identified. The modified RNA ligands to bFGF and thrombin exhibit increased in vivo stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides for the selective covalent modification of nucleic acids with redox active moieties such as transition metal complexes. Electron donor and electron acceptor moieties are covalently bound to the ribose-phosphate backbone of a nucleic acid at predetermined positions. The resulting complexes represent a series of new derivatives that are bimolecular templates capable of transferring electrons over very large distances at extremely fast rates. These complexes possess unique structural features which enable the use of an entirely new class of bioconductors and photoactive probes.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an isolated peptide having the characteristics of human trithorax protein (as well as DNA encoding same, antisense DNA derived therefrom and antagonists therefor). The invention peptide is characterized by having a DNA binding domain comprising multiple zinc fingers and at least 40% amino acid identity with respect to the DNA binding domain of Drosophila trithorax protein and at least 70% conserved sequence with respect to the DNA binding domain of Drosophila trithorax protein, and wherein said peptide is encoded by a gene located at chromosome 11 of the human genome at q23. Also provided are methods for the treatment of subject(s) suffering from immunodeficiency, developmental abnormality, inherited disease, or cancer by administering to said subject a therapeutically effective amount of one of the above-described agents (i.e., peptide, antagonist therefor, DNA encoding said peptide or antisense DNA derived therefrom).

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for distinguishing the fractions of polynucleotide sequences which hybridize to any given probe, including probes on microarrays such as those described herein. In particular, the present invention enables users to identify the fraction of sequences which are perfectly complementary to a probe, thereby correcting for effects of cross hybridization in a hybridization assay. The methods of the invention work by monitoring the kinetics of dissociation of sequences from the probe so that a resulting “dissociation curve” may be compared to a combination of the individual “dissociation profiles” for each sequence which hybridizes. In alternative embodiments, the invention also provides computer systems for performing the present methods, as well as databases of the dissociation profiles.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, compositions, and apparatus for performing sensitive detection of analytes, such as biological macromolecules and other analytes, by labeling a probe molecule with an up-converting label. The up-converting label absorbs radiation from an illumination source and emits radiation at one or more higher frequencies, providing enhanced signal-to-noise ratio and the essential elimination of background sample autofluorescence. The methods, compositions, and apparatus are suitable for the sensitive detection of multiple analytes and for various clinical and environmental sampling techniques.

Abstract: A 14 kb deletion in the promoter region of a BRCA1 gene has been found in a kindred which had earlier been linked to BRCA1. This deletion is apparently the result of unequal crossing over between two Alu repeats, one of which is 5' upstream of the start of the coding region and the second which is within intron 2. The deletion results in exons 1a, 1b and 2 being deleted from the gene with the result that the gene cannot be transcribed.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for identifying inhibitors of mucin production, methods for inhibiting mucin production and methods for treating airway diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, bronchial pneumonia and asthma. Compositions are provided for use in the method comprising reporter gene constructs which are inducible by mucomones.

Abstract: Methods are described for the identification and preparation of high-affinity nucleic acid ligands to TGF.beta.. Included in the invention are specific RNA ligands to TGF.beta.1 identified by the SELEX method. Also included are RNA ligands that inhibit the interaction of TGF.beta.1 with its receptor.

Abstract: The invention provides a diagnostic method and kits for SCA III syndrome. The method comprises attaching a portion of SCA III gene containing copies of 73 trinucleotide(CAG) repeat units to a substrate; amplifying a DNA segment containing copies of the trinucleotide repeat units from the genomic DNA of a testee using two labeled primers under the suitable condition for carrying out polymerase chain reaction (PCR); hybridizing the gene with the PCR product by amplifying DNA segment; and analyzing the results of the hybridization. A SCA III patient can be effectively diagnosed by examining the increase extent of the number of the TNR characteristic of the disease-associated gene with the aid of reverse dot hybridization technique or PCR-MPH.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the presence of a polynucleotide analyte in a sample suspected of containing the analyte. The method comprises (a) forming as a result of the presence of an analyte a single stranded polynucleotide comprising a target polynucleotide binding sequence flanked by first and second polynucleotide sequences that differ from the sequence of the analyte or a sequence complementary to the analyte sequence, (b) forming multiple copies of the single stranded polynucleotide, and (c) detecting the single stranded polynucleotide. Also disclosed is a method of producing at least one copy of a single stranded polynucleotide.

Abstract: A method is provided for making synthetic capped RNAs. These compounds serve as substrates for the virally encoded endonuclease associated with influenza virus. We are able to assay for this unique and specific viral activity of cleavage of a capped RNA in vitro. Therefore, screening of inhibitors of this activity is possible. In addition, short non-extendible (due to their length or because of the modification of the 3'-end of the oligo, i.e. 3'-dA) RNAs are potent inhibitors of the cleavage of capped RNAs by influenza endonuclease. Finally, these compounds may be used to investigate viral and cellular mechanisms of transcription/translation or mRNA maturation.

Abstract: A non-optimal translational start site (Kozak) polynuclcotide sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 is provided. An expression vector for expressing a protein of interest, utilizing the non-optimal translational start site is also provided. Host cells containing the expression vector utilizing the non-optimal translational start site are also provided. A selectable marker encoded by a nucleic acid sequences utilizing the non-optimal translational start site is further provided.

Abstract: It has been discovered that a single set of conditions can be used to detect nearly every interaction of RNA binding proteins and RNA molecules. Prior to this discovery it was thought that each specific interaction required separate optimized conditions in order to be detected. Assays employing the disclosed universal conditions are useful for identifying RNA binding proteins that interact with specific RNA molecules of interest, detecting RNA molecules that interact with specific RNA binding proteins of interest, identifying RNA binding proteins active in certain cell types and under certain physiological conditions, identifying specific regions of an RNA molecule that interact with RNA binding proteins. Such assays are useful as a research tool for identifying targets for drug discovery, identifying altered or defective RNA/RBP interactions associated with disease conditions, and in screening assays to identify compounds that modulate RNA/RBP interactions of interest.

Abstract: A method of isolating genomic or RNA-derived duplex fragments which are unique to one of two fragment mixtures. The fragments in positive-source and negative-source mixtures are separately equipped with end linkers, and each mixture is amplified by successive primed-strand replications, using a single primer which is homologous to the associated linker. The second-source linker is biotinylated, and the fragments in this mixture are hybridized in molar excess with the fragments in the positive-source mixture. DNA species which are not hybridized with the biotinylated species, i.e., species that are unique to the positive-source mixture, are isolated after removal of hybridized species by affinity chromatography. Also disclosed is a method of amplifying a mixture of DNA fragments by repeated linker/primer replication.

Abstract: Combinations, called matrices with memories, of matrix materials that are encoded with an optically readable code are provided. The matrix materials are those that are used in as supports in solid phase chemical and biochemical syntheses, immunoassays and hybridization reactions. The matrix materials may additionally include fluophors or other luminescent moieties to produce luminescing matrices with memories. The memories include electronic and optical storage media and also include optical memories, such as bar codes and other machine-readable codes. By virtue of this combination, molecules and biological particles, such as phage and viral particles and cells, that are in proximity or in physical contact with the matrix combination can be labeled by programming the memory with identifying information and can be identified by retrieving the stored information. Combinations of matrix materials, memories, and linked molecules and biological materials are also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for the identification of genetic information from a polynucleotide sequence is described. Genetic information from a raw polynucleotide sequence is identified by assigning values to nucleotide base changes along the raw polynucleotide sequence and processing these values. Particularly, a distribution of the values of the base changes is generated and the variance from a random distribution of this distribution is calculated by determining the root mean square variance of the distribution. The types of genetic information that can be identified using this system and method include the presence of a protein encoding region, or gene; the number of genes in a given overall polynucleotide sequence; the reading frame for the gene sequence; and tRNA and rRNA sites.

Abstract: Different probes each having a specific base sequence are immobilized to each of independent areas formed on the surface of a substrate, complementary polynucleotides in a sample solution are hybridized to the probes, and each of the independent areas on the substrate is heated and then cooled in sequence, and hence the solution is recovered to extract different polynucleotides separately corresponding to individual probes.

Abstract: The invention relates to libraries of synthetic test compound attached to separate phase synthesis supports. In particular, the invention relates to libraries of synthetic test compound attached to separate phase synthesis supports that also contain coding molecules that encode the structure of the synthetic test compound. The molecules may be polymers or multiple nonpolymeric molecules. Each of the solid phase synthesis support beads contains a single type of synthetic test compound. The synthetic test compound can have backbone structures with linkages such as amide, urea, carbamate (i.e., urethane), ester, amino, sulfide, disulfide, or carbon--carbon, such as alkane and alkene, or any combination thereof. Examples of subunits suited for the different linkage chemistries are provided.