Abstract: This invention relates to methods for analyzing nucleic acids. The disclosure provides methods of a primer-dependent amplification and detection method that is capable of amplifying and detecting in a sample as few as ten copies of at least one rare intended target sequence in the presence of abundant closely related unintended target sequences. Also provided are reaction compositions and kits for performing the methods.

Abstract: This invention discloses multi-part primers for primer-dependent nucleic acid amplification methods. Also disclosed are primer-dependent nucleic acid amplification reactions, particularly DNA amplification reactions, reaction mixtures and reagent kits for such reactions. This invention relates to primer-dependent nucleic acid amplification reactions, particularly DNA amplification relations such as PCR, and primers, reaction mixtures and reagent kits for such reactions and assays employing same.

Abstract: This invention discloses multi-part primers for primer-dependent nucleic acid amplification methods. Also disclosed are primer-dependent nucleic acid amplification reactions, particularly DNA amplification reactions, reaction mixtures and reagent Kits for such reactions. This invention relates to primer-dependent nucleic acid amplification reactions, particularly DNA amplification relations such as PCR, and primers, reaction mixtures and reagent kits for such reactions and assays employing same.

Abstract: This invention discloses multi-part primers for primer-dependent nucleic amplification methods. Also disclosed are primer-dependent nucleic acid amplification reactions, particularly DNA amplification reactions, reaction mixtures and reagent kits for such reactions. This invention relates to primer-dependent nucleic acid amplification reactions, particularly DNA amplification reactions such as PCR, and primers, reaction mixtures and reagent kits for such reactions and assays employing same.

Abstract: This invention discloses multi-part primers for primer-dependent nucleic amplification methods. Also disclosed are primer-dependent nucleic acid amplification reactions, particularly DNA amplification reactions, reaction mixtures and reagent kits for such reactions. This invention relates to primer-dependent nucleic acid amplification reactions, particularly DNA amplification reactions such as PCR, and primers, reaction mixtures and reagent kits for such reactions and assays employing same.

Abstract: This invention discloses multi-part primers for primer-dependent nucleic acid amplification methods. Also disclosed are primer-dependent nucleic acid amplification reactions, particularly DNA amplification reactions, reaction mixtures and reagent kits for such reactions. This invention relates to primer-dependent nucleic acid amplification reactions, particularly DNA amplification reactions such as PCR, and primers, reaction mixtures and reagent kits for such reactions and assays employing same.

Abstract: This invention discloses multi-part primers for primer-dependent nucleic acid amplification methods. Also disclosed are primer-dependent nucleic acid amplification reactions, particularly DNA amplification reactions, reaction mixtures and reagent kits for such reactions. This invention relates to primer-dependent nucleic acid amplification reactions, particularly DNA amplification reactions such as PCR, and primers, reaction mixtures and reagent kits for such reactions and assays employing same.

Abstract: Kits for highly multiplexed homogeneous in vitro screening assays for numerous possible nucleic acid targets, any of which might be present in a sample, that utilize fluorescent hybridization probes that are combinatorially coded from a panel of fluorophores by subdividing each probe into portions and differently labeling each portion such that, when portions are combined, each probe has a unique code. The kits may include reagents and primers for target amplification and real-time detection.

Abstract: A coding scheme for microcarriers suitable for use in distributed arrays includes labeling the carriers with quenched signaling hairpin molecules with any one of three to eight distinguishable fluorophores wherein the hairpins are of at least two types, most preferably three types, that open and fluoresce differentially as a chemical or physical condition, for example temperature, is changed. Mixtures of microcarriers having immobilized capture probes can be decoded by measuring fluorescence from said fluorophores under conditions under which only one type of hairpin is open, under which two types of hairpin are open, and so on. Mixtures of coded microcarriers with capture probes are used in assays for nucleic acids utilizing microarray methods.

Abstract: The invention provides assays that can detect multiple genetic variants of a gene (e.g., a mycobacterial gene) in a sample using a pool (e.g., 2, 3, 4, or more) of oligonucleotide hybridization probes.

Abstract: Kits for highly multiplexed homogeneous in vitro screening assays for numerous possible nucleic acid targets, any of which might be present in a sample, that utilize fluorescent hybridization probes that are combinatorially coded from a panel of fluorophores by subdividing each probe into portions and differently labeling each portion such that, when portions are combined, each probe has a unique code. The kits may include reagents and primers for target amplification and real-time detection.

Abstract: Highly multiplexed homogeneous in vitro screening assays for numerous possible nucleic acid targets, any of which might be present in a sample, utilize fluorescent hybridization probes that are combinatorially coded from a panel of fluorophores by subdividing each probe into portions and differently labeling each portion such that, when portions are combined, each probe has a unique code. The assays may include target amplification and real-time detection. Probe sets and kits containing additional assay reagents may be used to perform the screening assays.

Abstract: Highly multiplexed homogeneous in vitro screening assays for numerous possible nucleic acid targets, any of which might be present in a sample, utilize fluorescent hybridization probes that are combinatorially coded from a panel of fluorophores by subdividing each probe into portions and differently labeling each portion such that, when portions are combined, each probe has a unique code. The assays may include target amplification and real-time detection. Probe sets and kits containing additional assay reagents may be used to perform the screening assays.

Abstract: Coalescence of cells or other membrane-bound entities is facilitated by anchoring an outwardly projecting first oligonucleotide in one member and an outwardly projecting second oligonucleotide, complementary to the first, in a second member and incubating under hybridizing conditions. Liposomes may be coalesced with cells to deliver hydrophilic agents thereto, such as DNA probes or drugs. Kits containing complementary oligonucleotides containing hydrophobic anchoring moieties may be used.

Abstract: A coding scheme for microcarriers suitable for use in distributed arrays includes labeling the carriers with quenched signaling hairpin molecules with any one of three to eight distinguishable fluorophores wherein the hairpins are of at least two types, most preferably three types, that open and fluoresce differentially as a chemical or physical condition, for example temperature, is changed. Mixtures of microcarriers having immobilized capture probes can be decoded by measuring fluorescence from said fluorophores under conditions under which only one type of hairpin is open, under which two types of hairpin are open, and so on. Mixtures of coded microcarriers with capture probes are used in assays for nucleic acids utilizing microarray methods.

Abstract: Coalescence of cells or other membrane-bound entities is facilitated by anchoring an outwardly projecting first oligonucleotide in one member and an outwardly projecting second oligonucleotide, complementary to the first, in a second member and incubating under hybridizing conditions. Liposomes may be coalesced with cells to deliver hydrophilic agents thereto, such as DNA probes or drugs. Kits containing complementary oligonucleotides containing hydrophobic anchoring moieties may be used.

Abstract: Non-competitive, quantitative amplification assay methods, including assays employing amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) process, for accurately measuring levels of target nucleic acid and sequences in samples and for ascertaining the relative amounts of cross-hybridizing alleles and mutants.

Abstract: For nucleic acid amplification including extension of primers by a DNA polymerase, high specificity primers are provided. The primers include a type of hairpin structure in which a single-stranded loop separates complementary 3′ and 5′ arms and in which the loop and the 3′ arm are complementary to the target nucleic acid. Amplification methods, assays and kits including such primers are included in the invention.

Abstract: For nucleic acid amplification including extension of primers by a DNA polymerase, high specificity primers are provided. The primers include a type of hairpin structure in which a single-stranded loop separates complementary 3′ and 5′ arms and in which the loop and the 3′ arm are complementary to the target nucleic acid. Amplification methods, assays and kits including such primers are included in the invention.

Abstract: Unimolecular and bimolecular hybridization probes for the detection of nucleic acid target sequences comprise a target complement sequence, an affinity pair holding the probe in a closed conformation in the absence of target sequence, and either a label pair that interacts when the probe is in the closed conformation or, for certain unimolecular probes, a non-interactive label. Hybridization of the target and target complement sequences shifts the probe to an open conformation. The shift is detectable due to reduced interaction of the label pair or by detecting a signal from a non-interactive label. Certain unimolecular probes can discriminate between target and non-target sequences differing by as little as one nucleotide. Also, universal stems and kits useful for constructing said probes. Also, assays utilizing said probes and kits for performing such assays.