Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of protein expression and molecular biology. In particular, the present invention includes methods for monitoring the levels of polypeptide inhibition caused by inhibitory nucleic acids.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for inhibiting, cloning, modifying or labelling an endogenous DNA sequence using compositions comprising recombinases in combination with exogenous polynucleotides containing “anchoring” or “locking” sequences. The anchoring sequences serve to stabilize structures formed by the exogenous polynucleotides and the endogenous DNA. The stabilized structure thus can either serve to regulate gene transcription or replication, or can allow the endogenous sequences to be labelled or pulled out, i.e. cloned, or modified.

Abstract: The invention relates to complexes of eukaryotic Rad52 protein and nucleic acids, and methods of using the complexes.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for rapidly evolving specific protein domains employing a recombinase and recombination intermediates.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are providing for modulating cellular activity. In the subject methods, target cells are contacted with both a BER inhibitor and a sensitizing agent, e.g., either a radiosensitizing agent and/or a chemotherapeutic agent, where the cells may optionally be contacted with a DSBR inhibitor, such as a RAD inhibitor, e.g., a RAD51 inhibitor. Also provided are pharmaceutical preparations, as well as kits thereof, that find use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: In accordance with the objects outlined above, the present invention provides methods of diagnosing individuals at risk for a disease state which results in aberrant Rad51 loci. The methods comprise determining the distribution of Rad51 foci in a first tissue type of a first individual, and then comparing the distribution to the distribution of Rad51 foci from a second normal tissue type from the first individual or a second unaffected individual. A difference in the distributions indicates that the first individual is at risk for a disease state which results in aberrant Rad51 loci. Preferred disease states include cancer and disease states associated with apoptosis.

Abstract: In accordance with the objects outlined above, the present invention provides methods of diagnosing individuals at risk for a disease state which results in aberrant Rad51 loci. The methods comprise determining the distribution of Rad51 foci in a first tissue type of a first individual, and then comparing the distribution to the distribution of Rad51 foci from a second normal tissue type from the first individual or a second unaffected individual. A difference in the distributions indicates that the first individual is at risk for a disease state which results in aberrant Rad51 loci. Preferred disease states include cancer and disease states associated with apoptosis.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for inhibiting cell proliferation in an individual comprising administering to the individual a composition comprising a Rad51 inhibitor. Also provided herein is a method for inhibiting the growth of a cell comprising administering to said cell a composition comprising a Rad51 inhibitor. Such methods can further include the step of providing radiation or DNA damaging agents after administration of said Rad51 inhibitor. Also described herein are methods which are performed in vivo and/or on cancerous cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for inhibiting cell proliferation in an individual comprising administering to the individual a composition comprising a Rad51 inhibitor. Also provided herein is a method for inhibiting the growth of a cell comprising administering to said cell a composition comprising a Rad51 inhibitor. Such methods can further include the step of providing radiation or DNA damaging agents after administration of said Rad51 inhibitor. Also described herein are methods which are performed in vivo and/or on cancerous cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for inhibiting, cloning, modifying or labelling an endogenous DNA sequence using compositions comprising recombinases in combination with exogenous polynucleotides containing “anchoring” or “locking” sequences. The anchoring sequences serve to stabilize structures formed by the exogenous polynucleotides and the endogenous DNA. The stabilized structure thus can either serve to regulate gene transcription or replication, or can allow the endogenous sequences to be labelled or pulled out, i.e. cloned, or modified.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and compositions for inhibiting or reducing tumor cell proliferation in an individual in vivo. More specifically, a tumor cell is contacted, in vivo, with a Rad51 inhibitor, and a polynucleotide capable of expressing functional p53 protein. In a further embodiment of the present invention the tumor cell is exposed in vivo to radiation or chemotherapeutic agents (e.g., BCNU, CCNU, and DMZ, GB, cisplatin and the like). The Rad51 inhibitor may be selected from the group consisting of peptides, small molecules and Rad51 antisense molecules. The Rad51 antisense molecule and the p53 polynucleotide may be encoded on an expression vector under the control of one or more promoters, and the expression vector may then be incorporated into a viral genome, preferably an andeno or retro virus, which is then used to introduce the expression vector into the tumor cell.

Abstract: the present invention is directed to methods and compositions for using DNA analog probes in increasing the efficiency of DNA targeting by recombinase coated nucleoprotein filaments. The present invention teaches novel methods and compositions that combine the traditional advantages of RecA coated filaments in catalyzing homology searches with the utility of PNA (peptide nucleic acids) to bind DNA with a very high affinity and its ability to locally open the target DNA thereby improving the kinetics of RecA-mediated strand exchange.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for identifying and diagnosing individuals at risk for a disease state associated with aberrant Rad41 foci.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the use of recombinases such as E. coli recA to mediate the detection of target sequences on gene chips.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for identifying agents which bind to or modulate Rad51.

Abstract: The invention relates to complexes of eukaryotic Rad52 protein and nucleic acids, and methods of using the complexes.