Abstract: This invention discloses an automated computer method for personal identity verification with improvements over existing technology. Specific embodiments of the invention ensure that an individual's personal identity data may be electronically maintained in databases and used for identity verification with a high level of security. The invention greatly minimizes the possibility of identity theft and identity fraud compared to existing methodologies. The process employs a plurality of networked computers and application programming interfaces. In certain embodiments the process is used in multifactor authorization to login to a server, network or online accounts (e.g. private databases, internet websites). Additional features that improve the basic identity verification process are provided through incorporation of blockchain technology.

Abstract: This invention describes a method for verification of an individual's identity by computational analysis of genomic DNA. The method provides an identity verification that is many orders of magnitude more precise than previous or current methods. Specific embodiments of the invention ensure that an individual's identity data may be maintained and used for identity verification with a high level of security. The invention greatly minimizes the possibility of identity theft and identity theft fraud compared to existing methodology. The embodiments of the invention utilize DNA sequence information from the individual's genome in an identity verification process to determine whether an entity requesting identity verification is said individual. The identity verification process is initiated by submitting a DNA sequence and requesting identity verification as said individual.

Abstract: Methods and materials are described for determining the susceptibility of an individual to diseases associated with defects in DNA mismatch repair function, principally human colorectal and other cancers, by the use of activity assays to assess the functional significance of mutations in genes encoding DNA mismatch repair proteins. These methods allow the prospective identification of amino acid substitutions, corresponding to naturally occurring genetic mutations, which impair human DNA mismatch repair function and may lead to oncogenic consequences. Certain irregular sequences encoding protein sequences that differ from native DNA mismatch repair proteins, and which may foretell a higher probability for developing cancer and other genetically based diseases, have been now been newly identified by these methods.

Abstract: An invention is described which provides a diagnostic approach for diseases, such as HNPCC, that are associated with defects in MMR and provides a method for determining whether any specific genetic sequence of a gene associated with MMR that differs from a consensus sequence is a mutation (i.e., encodes a non-functional protein), a silent polymorphism (i.e., encodes a protein with normal protein function) or an efficiency polymorphism (i.e., encodes a protein with reduced efficiency in MMR). The invention allows the generation of databases of the functional significance of specific amino acid replacements on MMR protein function in vivo, which in turn will allow accurate and unambiguous interpretation of genetic tests of MMR.

Abstract: A method of screening for a compound that affects mammalian cell cycle regulatory proteins, comprising (A) administering a compound to a cell line, wherein the cell line comprises genetic information comprising (1) a reporter gene operably linked to a gene expression control sequence, wherein the gene expression control sequence comprises an upstream activation sequence and a promoter, and the upstream activation sequence comprises a DNA region that binds to a transcription control factor that is regulated through phosphorylation by a cyclin/CDK phosphorylation system; and (2) a hybrid gene comprising a first coding region from a gene native to the cell line and a second coding region from a second gene, wherein the first gene encodes a gene product that affects phosphorylation by the cyclin/CDK phosphorylation system, and the second gene is mammalian and is homologous to the native gene, and the hybrid gene provides a gene product effective to permit normal cyclin/CDK regulation of the transcription control

Abstract: A hybrid promoter for controlling exogenous gene transcription is constructed by insertion of a UAS.sub.G into a GPD portable promoter. The resulting hybrid promoter is placed upstream of an exogenous gene in a hybrid yeast-bacterial plasmid, which is used to transform yeast cells. Due to the regulation imparted to the GPD promoter by the UAS.sub.G, transcription of the exogenous gene, and hence production of the exogenous gene product, may be regulated by controlling the composition of the carbon source in the yeast culture medium. Specifically, glucose is used to repress transcription and galactose is used to induce transcription.

Abstract: Novel yeast cell transformation vectors are manufactured and employed in securing expression of exogenous polypeptides in yeast cells. Vectors include promoter/regulator DNA sequences of yeast glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene origins. In an illustrative preferred embodiment, novel immunologically active hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) preparations are isolated from yeast cells transformed with plasmid A.T.C.C. 40053. These HBsAg preparations of yeast origin may be incorporated into vaccine compositions useful in developing immunological responses protective against infection by hepatitis B virus.

Abstract: Novel yeast cell transformation vectors are manufactured and employed in securing expression of exogenous polypeptides in yeast cells. Vectors include promoter/regulator DNA sequences of yeast glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene origins. In an illustrative preferred embodiment, novel immunologically active hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) preparations are isolated from yeast cells transformed with plasmid A.T.C.C. 40053. These HBsAg preparations of yeast origin may be incorporated into vaccine compositions useful in developing immunological responses protective against infection by hepatitis B virus.