Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for detecting hydroxymethylated nucleotides (hmNs) in a polynucleotide preparation with a view to mapping the location of hmNs in a genome, quantifying the occurrence of hmNs at selected loci and correlating the occurrence of hmNs with gene expression and phenotypic traits. Embodiments describe the use of modifying enzymes together with site-specific endonucleases to detect the hmNs.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for detecting hydroxymethylated nucleotides (hmNs) in a polynucleotide preparation with a view to mapping the location of hmNs in a genome, quantifying the occurrence of hmNs at selected loci and correlating the occurrence of hmNs with gene expression and phenotypic traits. Embodiments describe the use of modifying enzymes together with site-specific endonucleases to detect the hmNs.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for detecting hydroxymethylated nucleotides (hmNs) in a polynucleotide preparation with a view to mapping the location of hmNs in a genome, quantifying the occurrence of hmNs at selected loci and correlating the occurrence of hmNs with gene expression and phenotypic traits. Embodiments describe the use of modifying enzymes together with site-specific endonucleases to detect the hmNs.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a mixture of heterogenous short double-stranded RNA molecules suitable for use in gene silencing (hsiRNA) by subjecting large double-stranded RNA to enzymatic cleavage under specified conditions. The resulting mixture consistently includes enhanced representation of fragments having a size of 21-22 nucleotides absent any fractionation step. The fragments contain sequences that collectively span the entire length of the large double-stranded RNA from which they are derived. Double-stranded RNA with sequences that individually represent segments of a target mRNA may be analyzed using the methods described herein to identify the most active subset of hsiRNA fragments or individual siRNA fragments for achieving gene silencing for any gene or transcribed sequences. A method is additionally provided for preparing and cloning DNA encoding selected siRNA, hsiRNA mixtures or hairpin sequences to provide a continuous supply of a gene silencing reagent derived from any long double-stranded RNA.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a mixture of heterogenous short double-stranded RNA molecules suitable for use in gene silencing (hsiRNA) by subjecting large double-stranded RNA to enzymatic cleavage under specified conditions. The resulting mixture consistently includes enhanced representation of fragments having a size of 21-22 nucleotides absent any fractionation step. The fragments contain sequences that collectively span the entire length of the large double-stranded RNA from which they are derived. Double-stranded RNA with sequences that individually represent segments of a target mRNA may be analyzed using the methods described herein to identify the most active subset of hsiRNA fragments or individual siRNA fragments for achieving gene silencing for any gene or transcribed sequences. A method is additionally provided for preparing and cloning DNA encoding selected siRNA, hsiRNA mixtures or hairpin sequences to provide a continuous supply of a gene silencing reagent derived from any long double-stranded RNA.

Abstract: The naturally-occurring amino acid selenocysteine (Sec) is incorporated uniquely and specifically in the context of a polypeptide displayed on the surface of an amplifiable genetic particle (phage, cell or spore) in response to incorporation signals engineered in the encoding DNA. In addition to conferring the unique activities of the selenol group to the chemistry of the displayed peptide, Sec also provides a unique handle for specific chemical modification of the displayed peptide. In addition to increasing the palette of available residues in a random peptide library to 21 possibilities, the present invention also provides a means of tethering virtually any desired chemical functionality to the incorporated Sec.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a mixture of heterogenous short double-stranded RNA molecules suitable for use in gene silencing (hsiRNA) by subjecting large double-stranded RNA to enzymatic cleavage under specified conditions. The resulting mixture consistently includes enhanced representation of fragments having a size of 21-22 nucleotides absent any fractionation step. The fragments contain sequences that collectively span the entire length of the large double-stranded RNA from which they are derived. Double-stranded RNA with sequences that individually represent segments of a target mRNA may be analyzed using the methods described herein to identify the most active subset of hsiRNA fragments or individual siRNA fragments for achieving gene silencing for any gene or transcribed sequences. A method is additionally provided for preparing and cloning DNA encoding selected siRNA, hsiRNA mixtures or hairpin sequences to provide a continuous supply of a gene silencing reagent derived from any long double-stranded RNA.