Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful for transfecting eukaryotic cells comprising nucleic acid complexes with peptides, wherein the peptide is optionally covalently coupled to a nucleic acid-binding group, and cationic lipids or dendrimers as transfection agents. The invention also provides transfection compositions in which a peptide is covalently linked to the transfection agent (lipid, cationic lipid or dendrimer). Inclusion of peptides or modified-peptides in transfection compositions or covalent attachment of peptides to transfection agents results in enhanced transfection efficiency. Methods for the preparation of transfection compositions and methods of using these transfection compositions as intracellular delivery agents and extracellular targeting agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for cleavage of a linker from an oligonucleotide comprising contacting an oligonucleotide-linker conjugate with a gaseous nucleophilic cleavage reagent under conditions that result in the cleavage of the linker from the oligonucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for releasing nucleic acid molecules from solid matrices. The invention further relates to compositions and methods for purifying and isolating nucleic acid molecules from biological materials such as animal tissues and plant matter. The methods of the invention can be readily adapted for rapid processing of multiple samples. Thus, the invention further provides automated methods for the purification of nucleic acid molecules from numerous samples. The invention also relates to kits for removing nucleic acid molecules from solid matrices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for introducing one or more antisense oligonucleotides into one or more eucaryotic cells using one or more lipid formulations comprising one or more cationic lipids of Formula I and optionally at least one neutral lipid. In particular, the present invention relates to a method for introducing one or more antisense oligonucleotides into one or more eucaryotic cells using a lipid formulation comprising dimethyldioctadecylammonium bromide (DDAB) and at least one neutral lipid, especially dioleylphosphatidylethanolamine (DOPE). The invention also relates to kits for carrying out the invention, compositions for carrying out the invention, and compositions formed while carrying out the invention. Further, the present invention relates to a method for inhibiting or preventing cell growth or proliferation, and a method for inhibiting or preventing expression of one or more proteins.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful for transfecting eukaryotic cells comprising nucleic acid complexes with peptides, wherein the peptide is optionally covalently coupled to a nucleic acid-binding group, and cationic lipids or dendrimers as transfection agents. The invention also provides transfection compositions in which a peptide is covalently linked to the transfection agent (lipid, cationic lipid or dendrimer). Inclusion of peptides or modified-peptides in transfection compositions or covalent attachment of peptides to transfection agents results in enhanced transfection efficiency. Methods for the preparation of transfection compositions and methods of using these transfection compositions as intracellular delivery agents and extracellular targeting agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cationic and polycationic compositions and methods for enhancing synthesis of nucleic acid molecules. In a preferred aspect, the invention relates to inhibition or control of nucleic acid synthesis, sequencing or amplification. Specifically, the present invention discloses cationic and polycationic molecules, compounds, and compositions having affinity for double-stranded and/or single-stranded nucleic acid molecules and/or single-stranded/double-stranded nucleic acid complexes (e.g., primer/template complexes, double-stranded templates, single-stranded templates or single-stranded primers) for use in such enhanced synthesis. The cationic and polycationic molecules, compounds, and compositions of the invention are capable of inhibiting nonspecific nucleic acid synthesis at ambient temperature. Thus, in a preferred aspect, the invention relates to “hot start” synthesis of nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: The present invention discloses cationic lipids and lipophilic compounds useful for making lipid aggregates for delivery of macromolecules and other compounds into cells. They are especially useful for the DNA-dependent transformation of cells. Also disclosed are compositions of cationic lipids and viral components or non-viral fusagenic compounds useful for enhancing transfection.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions useful for transfecting eukaryotic cells comprising nucleic acid complexes with peptides, wherein the peptide is optionally covalently coupled to a nucleic acid-binding group, and cationic lipids or dendrimers as transfection agents. The invention also provides transfection compositions in which a peptide is covalently linked to the transfection agent (lipid, cationic lipid or dendrimer). Inclusion of peptides or modified-peptides in transfection compositions or covalent attachment of peptides to transfection agents results in enhanced transfection efficiency. Methods for the preparation of transfection compositions and methods of using these transfection compositions as intracellular delivery agents and extracellular targeting agents are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses cationic lipids useful for making lipid aggregates for delivery of macromolecules and other compounds into cells. They are especially useful for the DNA-dependent transformation of cells. Also disclosed are lipids useful both for the delivery of macromolecules and also useful as intermediates for making other such lipids.

Abstract: A nucleic acid capture reagent which comprises one or more molecules that are capable of intercalation into nucleic acids and are attached to a solid support via a molecular linker. This capture reagent is useful for the separation and isolation of nucleic acids from complex unpurified biological solutions such as serum, sputum, blood, and urine. The resulting capture reagent-nucleic acid complexes are easily isolated from the sample solution by mechanical or magnetic means and the bound nucleic acids are released by simple chemical treatment.

Abstract: Nucleotide analogs, modified by the attachment at hydrogen bonding positions of linker groups, that is, the 6-position of adenine, 4-position of cytosine, and 2-position of guanine, are prepared. Such analogs, alone or with reporter groups attached, may be incorporated into DNA probes which effectively hybridize to target DNA.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of and the antitumor compound, adenosine 5'-(trihydrogen diphosphate) 5'.fwdarw.5'-ester with 4-carboxamide-2-.beta.-D-ribofuranosylthiazole.