Abstract: The present invention provides novel mutations of the CFTR gene related to cystic fibrosis or to conditions associated with cystic fibrosis. Also provided are probes for detecting the mutant sequences. Methods of identifying if an individual has a genotype containing one or more mutations in the CFTR gene are further provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention also provide novel compositions and methods based on novel CRH single nucleotide polymorphisms selected from the group consisting of AAFC03076794.1:g.9657C>T, c.10718G>C, c.10841G>A, c.10893A>C and c.10936G>C, which may provide novel markers for marbling and/or subcutaneous fat depth. Additional aspects provide for novel methods which may comprise marker-assisted selection or marker-assisted management to improve marbling and/or subcutaneous fat depth in cattle.

Abstract: Identification of a pig as resistant or non-resistant to enterotoxigenic E. Coli (ETEC). Particularly, there is provided methods, probes and DNA molecules involved in identifying a pig as resistant or non-resistant to ETEC. There is also provided methods for breeding pigs using the information of resistance/non-resistance, mixed boar semen, and methods for developing drugs to compensate for non-resistance to ETEC.

Abstract: The invention provides a rapid sample-processing method for preparing hybridization reaction mixtures substantially depleted of RNA, and a method of identifying the methicillin-resistance status and vancomycin-resistance status of an organism.

Abstract: The present invention is based on the discovery of genetic polymorphisms that are associated with myocardial infarction. In particular, the present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules containing the polymorphisms, variant proteins encoded by such nucleic acid molecules, reagents for detecting the polymorphic nucleic acid molecules and proteins, and methods of using the nucleic acid and proteins as well as methods of using reagents for their detection.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cytochrome P-450 gene cluster involved in the cleavage of ether fuel additives. More especially, the present invention pertains to the nucleic add sequence of genes responsible for the biodegradation of ethyl tert-butyl ether (ETBE) in Rhodococcus ruber, and to several applications ensuing from the knowledge of this sequence, such as probes and biosensors for detecting a pollution by an ether fuel, and for assessing the potential of a contaminated soil to cleave said ether fuel. The invention also pertains to methods for rendering a cell able to cleave ether fuel additives, and to recombinant bacteria useful for ether fuel depollution of a contaminated effluent.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for determining a genetic predisposition to prostate cancer in a male human subject. In one aspect, the method comprises determining whether the subject has the genotype GG of refSNP rs125555, where the genotype GG of refSNP rs125555 indicates that the subject is genetically predisposed to prostate cancer.

Abstract: Methods for predicting the development of sepsis in a subject at risk for developing sepsis are provided. In one method, features in a biomarker profile of the subject are evaluated. The subject is likely to develop sepsis if these features satisfy a particular value set. Methods for predicting the development of a stage of sepsis in a subject at risk for developing a stage of sepsis are provided. In one method, a plurality of features in a biomarker profile of the subject is evaluated. The subject is likely to have the stage of sepsis if these feature values satisfy a particular value set. Methods of diagnosing sepsis in a subject are provided. In one such method, a plurality of features in a biomarker profile of the subject is evaluated. The subject is likely to develop sepsis when the plurality of features satisfies a particular value set.

Abstract: Methods of assessing and reducing risk of graft versus host disease (GVHD) based on gene expression profiling are described, as well as methods of selecting a suitable transplant donor. Corresponding reagents and kits are also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of designing target-specific hybridization sequences which include one or more mutations. The method of the invention comprises selecting a candidate target nucleotide sequence in a subject nucleotide sequence. A first complementary nucleotide sequence to the target nucleotide sequence is identified by applying the known bonding relationships of the nucleotides. Next, a second complementary nucleotide sequence having one or more mutations is constructed. The amount of the “target-second complementary nucleotide sequence” hybrid formed when the candidate target nucleotide sequence and second complementary nucleotide sequences are combined in the presence of interfering sequences is characterized and used to assess utility of the second complementary nucleotide sequence. The present invention also provides the target-specific hybridization sequences designed by the methods of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a DNA chip, which comprises the steps of: (a) cloning a probe, where a linker is coupled to one or both ends of an oligonucleotide to be integrated on a slide, into a vector; (b) transforming host cells with the vector; (c) culturing the transformed host cells, to recover the probe where the linker is coupled to one or both ends of the oligonucleotides; and (d) integrating the recovered double-helical probes on a slide. Also, the present invention relates to a DNA chip for HPV diagnosis produced by the method, and a method for diagnosing the presence or genotype of HPV using the DNA chip.

Abstract: The detection of specific nucleic acid sequences using electrochemical readout would permit the rapid and inexpensive detection and identification of bacterial pathogens and the analysis of human genes. A new assay developed for this purpose is described that harnesses an electrocatalytic process to monitor nucleic acid hybridization. Furthermore, the new assay when used on nanoscale electrodes, provides ultrasensitive detection of nucleic acids.

Abstract: Disclosure is a method of separately recovering deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid from a biological sample solution. They are separated and recovered from a single biological sample by controlling pH values, temperature, and/or concentration of cationic ions of a nucleic acid sample solution containing a caotropic agent. It is possible to easily and safely separate and recover deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid from the single biological sample.

Abstract: We paid attention to stearoyl-CoA desaturase gene, and investigated the relation between this gene and the unsaturated fatty acid content in beef fat. As a result, we found that the unsaturated fatty acid content was associated with the genotype of this gene, classified according to several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on this gene. The present invention is a method to predict the unsaturated fatty acid content in beef (or milk) fat, on the basis of the genotype of bovine stearoyl-CoA desaturase, and useful prediction method for beef quality such as taste and texture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of monitoring a fermentation process. In particular, the invention relates to a method of monitoring a fermentation process comprising the step of measuring the expression level of one or more zinc regulated nucleic acid molecules from a microorganism, preferably selected from the group consisting of Escherichia Bacillus, Cyanobacter, Streptomyces, Corynebacteria, Zymomonas, Saccharomyces, Zygosaccharomyces, and Schizosaccharomyces cells, present in the fermentation and comparing the expression level to a reference level of expression for the nucleic acid molecules, wherein the expression level is indicative of sub-optimal fermentation. Preferably the fermentation process is a beer brewing process.

Abstract: The present invention provides gene sets, the expression of which is important in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of cancer, in particular of breast cancer.

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of SMEI in a patient comprising: (1) detecting an alteration in the SCN1A gene, including in a regulatory region of the gene, in a patient sample; (2) ascertaining whether the alteration is known to be SMEI associated or non-SMEI associated; and (3) (a) establishing a diagnosis of a high probability of SMEI where the alteration is known to be SMEI associated; or (b) establishing a diagnosis of a low probability of SMEI where the alteration is non-SMEI associated; or (e) or, if not known to be either, (i) considering genetic data for parents and/or relatives; (ii) establishing whether the alteration has arisen de novo or is inherited; and (iii) establishing a diagnosis of a low probability of SMEI where the alteration is inherited but a diagnosis of a high probability of SMEI if the alteration is de novo.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods for predicting metastasis in cancer by assessing the structure of the complement protein C1qA. The methods may encompass examining either protein or nucleic acids, and may further include making treatment decisions based on the predictive methods.

Abstract: Methods, compounds, and kits for the diagnosis or screening of osteonecrosis are described, and the development of animal models for COL2A1 function in osteonecrosis is put forth. Novel mutations in the COL2A1 gene are identified that are associated with avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Methods of treatment of osteonecrosis and avascular necrosis of the femoral head, including gene therapy approaches comprising introduction of COL2A1 nucleic acid are contemplated.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, the invention provides a method of performing an array analysis, the method including contacting a sample of RNA with an analogous DNA set to provide a DNA/RNA duplex, contacting the DNA/RNA duplex with an enzyme having a DNA:RNA nuclease activity to provide a digested RNA sample, and contacting the digested RNA sample with an array under conditions sufficient to provide for specific binding to the array. The array typically is then interrogated. Kits in accordance with the invention are also described which include an analogous DNA set and an array.