Abstract: Ribozymes are provided in which the ribozymes have a catalytic sequence, two legs and at least one anchor sequence complementary to the substrate mRNA at a location noncontiguous with the portions of the substrate mRNA complementary to the legs. In certain preferred embodiments, ribozymes capable of cleaving the L6 mRNA or both the L6 and K28 mRNAs are provided. Methods are provided for the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients having the L6 and K28 translocations and, therefore, the L6 mRNA. Additionally, combination treatments comprising components specific for both the K28 and L6 mRNAs are provided. Combination treatments are also provided for those patients which express c-myc in combination with K28 and/or L6 mRNAs. Methods of treatment include, for example, administration of ribozymes and antisense oligonucleotides directed against these mRNAs.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods for inhibiting gene expression are disclosed. The compounds comprise oligonucleotide sequences of from about 9 to about 200 bases having a diol at either or both termini. Preferred diols are polyalkyleneglycols, preferably polyethyleneglycols. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and a physiologically acceptable carrier and methods of inhibiting gene expression in mammals comprising administering such compounds are also provided. Methods for inhibiting nuclease cleavage of compounds are also provided.

Abstract: A nucleic acid test article can be used to detect a targeted nucleic acid found in a specimen. The test article includes a substrate having two opposing surfaces and a water-insoluble nucleic acid probe attached in a distinct zone of one of the surfaces. The probe is prepared from a water-insoluble particle to which is covalently attached an oligonucleotide which is complementary to the targeted nucleic acid. Substantially none of the probe is embedded within the surface of the substrate. Particularly useful test articles have a multiplicity of water-insoluble probes located in distinct zones on one of the substrate surfaces. These probes are useful for the detection of a multiplicity of targeted nucleic acids, particularly after amplification by polymerase chain reaction.

Abstract: Amplification, replication or detection of a predetermined target nucleic acid can be carried out using a unique primer composition. This composition comprises and aqueous mixture of a first oligonucleotide primer which is substantially complementary to a first nucleic acid sequence of the target, but which is suspected of having one or more mismatches with the target at or near its 3' end. Also included in the composition is one or more additional primers which are complementary to a nucleic acid sequence of the target. This sequence is either: (i) inclusive of only a portion of the first nucleic acid sequence, (ii) immediately adjacent to the first nucleic acid sequence, or (iii) removed from the first sequence by one or more bases, but which additional primer is capable of forming a primer extension product complementary to the first sequence. These composition components can be supplied as part of a diagnostic test kit which can include other regents if desired.

Abstract: There are described a device and method for doing confined reactions such as PCR amplification and detection, wherein solids (e.g., beads) used to obtain separation between bound and "free" label reagents, are transferred from region to region, specifically through a wash liquid so as to wash off the "free" label reagent from the solids. Separate chambers have dividers that are overcome by piercing or by liquification, to create passageways for the transfer of the solids. The passageways remain contained within the device.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing a covalent conjugate of an oligonucleotide and an enzyme, such as peroxidase. This conjugate can be used as a probe in hybridization assays and in polymerase chain reaction procedures. The method generally comprises the steps of: reacting an enzyme having a reactive amino group with a mercapto-substituted organic compound to form a blocked intermediate, removing the blocking group to form an enzyme reagent, and reacting the enzyme reagent with a functionalized oligonucleotide reagent.

Abstract: Specific binding methods are used for diagnostic assays and purification separations whereby the specific binding capture reagent is prepared from copolymers having highly reactive carboxy groups. These groups are extended from the polymer surface with a linking group having from 8 to 50 atoms in the chain and two or more alkylene, arylene, alkylenearylene or arylenealkylene groups. To these reactive groups is attached a biologically active substance such as a protein or oligonucleotide which then participates in the diagnostic assays or purification separation methods.

Abstract: A covalent conjugate of an enzyme, such as peroxidase, glucose oxidase, alkaline phosphatase and beta-galactosidase, and an oligonucleotide is herein disclosed. This conjugate can be used as a probe in hybridization assays and in polymerase chain reaction procedures.

Abstract: Compounds, compositions and methods for inhibiting gene expression are disclosed. The compounds comprise oligonucleotide sequences of from about 9 to about 200 bases having a diol at either or both termini. Preferred diols are polyalkyleneglycols, preferably polyethyleneglycols. Pharmaceutical compositions comprising the compounds and a physiologically acceptable carrier and methods of inhibiting gene expression in mammals comprising administering such compounds are also provided. Methods for inhibiting nuclease cleavage of compounds are also provided.

Abstract: Certain phenalenimine fluorescent compounds represented by the structure ##STR1## wherein R' and R" are independently hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or a heterocycle, or R' comprises the carbon and heteroatoms which form a fused ring with the compound nucleus, are useful in biomedical and analytical determinations. These compounds can be used for staining cells, as well as for the determination of various analytes found in human or animal biological fluids. Such determinations can be carried out in solution or by using dry analytical elements. The fluorescent compounds can be reacted with quinone nuclei to form reducible compounds which are also useful in analytical methods. In addition, the compounds can be incorporated into what are known as "loadable" latex particles to form detectable labels and biological reagents.

Abstract: Biologically active reagents are prepared from particles of copolymers having highly reactive carboxy or equivalent groups. The reagents are prepared by covalently attaching biologically active substances, for example antibodies, to the particles, directly or indirectly through highly reactive carboxy groups on the particle surface. These reagents are used to advantage in analytical elements, methods for the detection of specific binding ligands (such as immunological species) and immunoassays, and in purification methods as affinity chromatography reagents.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing double-stranded DNA sequences is disclosed.

Abstract: A covalent conjugate of an enzyme, such as peroxidase, glucose oxidase, alkaline phosphatase and beta-galactosidase, and an oligonucleotide is herein disclosed. This conjugate can be used as a probe in hybridization assays and in polymerase chain reaction procedures.

Abstract: Certain phenalenimine fluorescent compounds represented by the structure ##STR1## wherein R' and R" are independently hydrogen, alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl or a heterocycle, or R' comprises the carbon and heteroatoms which forms a fused ring with the compound nucleus, are useful in biomedical and analytical determinations. These compounds can be used for staining cells, as well as for the determination of various analytes found in human or animal biological fluids. Such determination can be carried out in solution or by using dry analytical elements. The fluorescent compounds can be reacted with quinone nuclei to form reducible compounds which are also useful in analytical methods. In addition, the compounds can be incorporated into what are known as "loadable" latex particles to form detectable labels and biological reagents.

Abstract: Oligonucleotides derivatized to incorporate horseradish peroxidase (HRP) are useful in diagnostic methods and provide significant advantage over radioactively labeled oligonucleotide probes. The HRP-derivatized oligonucleotides can be easily and efficiently prepared by reacting a sulfhydryl containing oligonucleotide with a conjugate of a mal-sac-HNSA ester and HRP under mild and easily controlled reaction conditions.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide functionalizing reagents are disclosed which are useful in introducing sulfhydryl, amino and additional hydroxyl groups into oligonucleotides. The reagents are substantially linear in structure, at one end provided with a phosphoramidite moiety, at an opposing end provided with a sulfhydryl, amino or hydroxyl moiety, the two ends linked through a hydrophilic spacer chain. Methods of using and synthesizing the novel reagents are disclosed as well.