Abstract: The invention relates to a bioactive surface comprising a polymer matrix, a connecting complex comprising at least one compound covalently bound to the surface of the polymer matrix, and a gene transfer vector bound to the connecting complex, wherein the compound of the complex is covalently bound to the transfer vector using a group selected from among carboxyl, amino, isocyanate and hydroxyl. The invention also relates to the use of the bioactive surface for transferring a nucleic acid to a cell. The invention further relates to: an implantable device characterized in that at least part of the surface thereof is coated with said bioactive surface, and to the use of the implantable device for transferring a nucleic acid to a cell. In addition, the invention relates to a method for transferring a nucleic acid to a cell and to a kit for performing said method.

Abstract: The invention refers to a method for identifying senescent mesenchymal stem cells growing in in vitro culture, comprising: measuring the length of chromosome telomeres, determining the level of ploidy in the cell, detecting the presence of multipolar mitosis and determining the level of expression of the genes SCIN, AKAP9, EDN-1, CXCL1, CXCL12 and/or CD70. This method can be used for performing genetic stability studies in mesenchymal stem cell cultures, enabling identification and selection of the most stable and appropriate cells for use in cell therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification and isolation of a DNA polymerase and uses of this polymerase. In particular, the present invention describes the nucleotide sequence of the human gene for DNA polymerase lambda (Pol ?), the amino acid sequence of Pol ?, and the amino acid sequence of several isoforms derived from alternative splicing of its mRNA. The association of some of these isoforms with tumour samples makes Pol ? a marker for the diagnosis, prognosis and evolution of tumoral processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification and isolation of a DNA polymerase and uses of this polymerase. In particular, the present invention describes the nucleotide sequence of the human gene for DNA polymerase lambda (Pol ?), the amino acid sequence of Pol ?, and the amino acid sequence of several isoforms derived from alternative splicing of its mRNA. The association of some of these isoforms with tumour samples makes Pol ? a marker for the diagnosis, prognosis and evolution of tumoral processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods of isolating adult stem cells, to the cells thus isolated and to applications thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to isolated adult stem cells, which are derived from dedifferentiated chondrocytes, which can be differentiated and which can give rise to a series of cell lineages, as well as to specific markers present in said cells, such as cell surface antigens. The cells provided by the present invention can be used, for example, in cell therapy and in the search for and development of novel medicaments.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of prokaryotic beta recombinase in eukaryotic cells, especially for transgenic work in eukaryotic cells. It also relates to the use of prokaryotic beta recombinase for site-specific intramolecular recombination between two six sites in eukaryotic cells. The use of the gene coding for beta recombinase for promoting the deletion of DNA sequences located between directly oriented six sites in mammalian cells and for catalysing site-specific resolution of DNA sequences in an extrachromosomal target introduced into an eukaryotic cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of prokaryotic beta recombinase in eukaryotic cells, especially for transgenic work in eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: An improved method for determining the nucleotide base sequence of a DNA molecule employs a .phi.-29 type DNA polymerase modified to have reduced or no exonuclease activity. The method includes annealing the DNA molecule with a primer molecule able to hybridize to the DNA molecule; incubating the annealed mixture in a vessel containing four different deoxynucleoside triphosphates, a DNA polymerase, and one or more DNA synthesis terminating agents which terminate DNA synthesis at a specific nucleotide base, wherein each the agent terminates DNA synthesis at a different nucleotide base; and separating the DNA products of the incubating reaction according to size, whereby at least a part of the nucleotide base sequence of the DNA can be determined. The improvement is provision of a DNA polymerase which is a .phi.29-type DNA polymerase.

Abstract: An improved method for determining the nucleotide base sequence of a DNA molecule. The method includes annealing the DNA molecule with a primer molecule able to hybridize to the DNA molecule; incubating the annealed mixture in a vessel containing four different deoxynucleoside triphosphates, a DNA polymerase, and one or more DNA synthesis terminating agents which terminate DNA synthesis at a specific nucleotide base, wherein each the agent terminates DNA synthesis at a different nucleotide base; and separating the DNA products of the incubating reaction according to size, whereby at least a part of the nucleotide base sequence of the DNA can be determined. The improvement is provision of a DNA polymerase which is a .phi.29-type DNA polymerase.

Abstract: An improved method for determining the nucleotide base sequence of a DNA molecule. The method includes annealing the DNA molecule with a primer molecule able to hybridize to the DNA molecule; incubating the annealed mixture in a vessel containing four different deoxynucleoside triphosphates, a DNA polymerase, and one or more DNA synthesis terminating agents which terminate DNA synthesis at a specific nucleotide base, wherein each the agent terminates DNA synthesis at a different nucleotide base; and separating the DNA products of the incubating reaction according to size, whereby at least a part of the nucleotide base sequence of the DNA can be determined. The improvement is provision of a DNA-polymerase which is a .phi.29-type DNA polymerase.