Abstract: A method for synthesizing cDNA characterized by performing a reverse transcription reaction in the presence of an enzyme having a reverse transcriptional activity and another enzyme different from the former one which as a 3?-5? exonuclease activity.

Abstract: This invention pertains to plants, plant material and seeds characterized by harboring a specific transformation event particularly by the presence of the bar gene under control of a CaMV 35S promoter, at a specific location in the rice genome. The rice plants of the invention combine glufosinate tolerance with optimal overall agronomic performance, genetic stability and adaptability to different genetic backgrounds.

Abstract: Methods of obtaining a measurement indicative of oxidative stress and the molecular age of an individual include the step of detecting a mitochondrial DNA deletion and correlating the quantity of the deletion with a measurement of a parameter related to oxygen metabolism.

Abstract: Heteropolymeric triplexes and quadruplexes and methods for making them; the use of accelerator agents such as cations to create them; the use of fluorescent intercalators and fluorescent probe-bound non-intercalators to detect them.

Abstract: A method for processing a nucleic acid sample contained in a liquid comprises: (a) introducing the liquid into a chamber (11) of a cartridge (12) which contains a chip shaped carrier (14), an active surface (15) of which carries an array of oligonucleotides; (b) positioning cartridge (12) into a cartridge holder (16) which holds cartridge (12); and (c) oscillating cartridge holder (16) and thereby cartridge (12) about an axis of rotation which is perpendicular to a vertical plane, thereby moving cartridge (12) back and forth between a first angular position (26) and a second angular position (28) which lie on opposite sides of an intermediate angular position (27) at which active surface (15) of chip shaped carrier (14) is at the lowest part of its motion path caused by the oscillating motion of cartridge (12). These oscillations cause a relative motion of the sample containing liquid contained in channel (13) with respect to active surface (15) of chip shaped carrier (14).

Abstract: An assay includes catalytic hybridization of targets and cleavable probes to form triplexes and quadruplexes based on Watson-Crick bonding rules. The probes contain scissile linkages that are cleaved by enzymes when hybridized to a target, yielding detectable probe fragments free of the target. The target is recycled to help catalyze the cleavage of additional intact probes to form additional detectable probe fragments, thus amplifying the signal.

Abstract: A multiplex structure, such as a nucleic acid quadruplex, includes: a first strand containing a first sequence of nucleobases; a second strand containing a second sequence of nucleobases, wherein the second strand is associated with the first strand by Watson-Crick bonding; a third strand containing a third sequence of nucleobases; and a fourth strand containing a fourth sequence of nucleobases, wherein the fourth strand is associated with the second strand and the third strand by Watson-Crick bonding. Formation of the multiplex structure is promoted by monovalent cations (e.g., sodium and potassium), divalent cations, multivalent cations, intercalating agents and/or molecules known to bind within the minor grooves of nucleic acids. The multiplex structure and the process of forming it have diagnostic, therapeutic, prophylactic and nanoengineering applications.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simplified method for identifying differences in nucleic acid abundances (e.g., expression levels) between two or more samples. The methods involve providing an array containing a large number (e.g. greater then 1,000) of arbitrarily selected different oligonucleotide probes where the sequence and location of each different probe is known. Nucleic acid samples (e.g. mRNA) from two or more samples are hybridized to the probe arrays and the pattern of hybridization is detected. Differences in the hybridization patterns between the samples indicates differences in expression of various genes between those samples. This invention also provides a method o end-labeling a nucleic acid. In one embodiment, the method involves providing a nucleic acid, providing a labelled oligonucleotide and then enzymatically ligating the oligonucleotide to the nucleic acid. Thus, for example, where the nucleic acid is an RNA, a labeled oligoribonucleotide can be ligated using an RNA ligase.

Abstract: A plant gene construct is disclosed comprising a complete or partial DNA sequence coding for an ATH1 gene product under the control of a promoter functional in plants. The promoter is preferably heterologous. Plant cells are transformed with such a plant gene construct, and plants comprising such cells have modified flowering properties. There is further described a process for modifying the flowering process in plants by transforming plants with a construct according to the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel chemically modified biological molecules with enhanced lability towards solid supports, such as glass. These modified molecules can be readily affixed to solid supports, for instance, a glass surface, without first derivatizing the glass surface. High-density microarrays based on these modified molecules as well as methods for preparing these microarrays are also useful.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple and quick method for determining the nucleotide sequence of the mitochondrial 21S ribosomal RNA gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae by gene amplification technique, and a method for classifying Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains using the same nucleotide sequence. To achieve this object, the mitochondrial 21S ribosomal RNA gene of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is amplified by gene amplification technique, thereby determining the nucleotide sequence of the gene.

Abstract: Methods and kits are disclosed for use in the analysis of microsatellite instability in genomic DNA. Methods and kits are also disclosed which can be used to detect microsatellite instability DNA present in biological materials, such as tumors. The methods and kits of the present invention can be used to detect or diagnose diseases associated with microsatellite instability, such as certain types of cancer.

Abstract: Novel non-coding sequences isolated upstream of the human IRS-2 gene are disclosed as markers for the prediction and/or diagnosis of IRS-2 related metabolic disorders or diseases, such as diabetes. The sequences also fuction as markers in a method and assay for evaluating the insulin regulating, i.e. insulin sensitizing or inhibiting properties of drug candidate substances, e.g. a method and assay for high throughput screening. The sequences and/or information derived therefrom can also be used for influencing the expression of the IRS-2 gene, e.g. in the therapy of IRS-2 related metabolic disorders, such as diabetes.

Abstract: A method for manipulating genetic material, the method comprising disrupting cells so as to liberate genetic material contained in the cells; contacting the genetic material to a silica column in a manner to cause the genetic material to become immobilized to the column; labeling the immobilized genetic material; and eluting the labeled material from the column. Also provided is a two-buffer process for manipulating genetic material, the process comprising: contacting cells containing the genetic material to a silica column; creating a first fraction of cell detritus and a second fraction containing the genetic material; confining the genetic material to the column; removing the cell detritus; contacting the genetic material with radicals so as to produce reactive aldehyde groups on the genetic material, and attaching chromophore to the genetic material.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for selecting tumours expressing HLA-G, sensitive to an anticancer treatment, which inhibits or prevents the HLA-G activity of said tumours and the uses thereof. Said method enable to establish either the HLA-G, transcription profile of a solid tumour or the HLA-G expression profile of a solid tumour. The method for establishing the HLA-G transcription profile consists in: (i) drawing a tumoral sample; (ii) extracting the mRNA; (iii) reverse transcription (RT) of said RNA: (iv) successive or simultaneous amplification of the cDNA's obtained in (iii) in the presence of primers specific to each HLA-G isoform and analysing the resulting amplification products, by electrophoresis and/or specific hybridisation and (v) establishing said sample HLA-G transcription profile.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for determining the number of repeat units in a repeat region of a target nucleic acid. In a first aspect, the method of the invention includes the steps of annealing a primer to a target nucleic acid; performing a first primer extension reaction using a first primer extension reagent; separating the target-primer hybrid and unreacted first primer extension reagent; performing a second primer extension reaction using a second primer extension reagent, wherein at least one of the first or second primer extension reagents includes an extendible nucleotide having a label attached thereto; separating the target-primer hybrid from unreacted second primer extension reagent; measuring a signal produced by the label; treating the label so as to render the label undetectable; and repeating the above steps until the signal is substantially less than a signal detected in a previous cycle.

Abstract: An oligonucleotide, labeled with a molecular energy transfer trio and containing two sequences capable of hairpin formation, is used in the detection of two targets by irradiation with a single wavelength of light. One of the two sequences contains an energy donor and a first energy acceptor, and the other sequence contains a second energy acceptor. The donor is in close proximity to the second acceptor only if the hairpin is formed, while the donor is always in close proximity to first acceptor. A sample is assayed, using this oligonucleotide in conjunction with another oligonucleotide which contains the donor fluorophore and the quencher, arranged as described above, but which lacks the acceptor fluorophore. The present oligonucleotide and the other oligonucleotide are specific to first and second targets, respectively.

Abstract: Compounds and the synthesis of compounds containing multiple precursor groups and allowing the efficient synthesis of highly functionalized oligonucleotides and oligomers are provided. Also, a branching unit that helps to further increase the density of functional groups on synthetic oligonucleotides and oligomers is provided.

Abstract: Method and device for cell lysis in which a liquid mixture of bateria or eukaryoptic cells and of a lysing agent is produced continuously, and this mixture is caused to flow immediately in a steady stream inside a tubing (7), the flow rate of this stream being adjusted as a function of the diameter and of the length of the tubing (7) so as to obtain a substantially homegenous cell lysate at the outlet (8) of the said tubing.

Abstract: The technical problem underlying the present invention is to provide peptides corresponding to immunologically important epitopes on bacterial and viral proteins, as well as the use of said peptides in diagnostic or immunogenic compositions. The invention relates to a process for the in vitro determination of antibodies, wherein the peptides used are biotinylated, particularly in the form of complexes of streptavidin-biotinylated peptides or of avidin-biotinylated peptides.