Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method for conveniently and accurately evaluating the ligation efficiency in the DNA sequencing process in order to optimize the condition of ligating Y-type adapters to both ends of a double-stranded DNA fragment. The present invention relates to a method for evaluating the efficiency of ligation reaction through which Y-type adapters are ligated to both ends of DNA to be analyzed, in the sequencing process of DNA to be analyzed using the Y-type adapter, wherein the efficiency of reaction is evaluated by electrophoresing a reaction mixture containing ligation molecules, between the DNA and the Y-type adapters, produced by the ligation reaction under a specified condition, and analyzing a band separated on the basis of the number of adapters ligated to the DNA.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method and kit for highly precise DNA typing, in which a high throughput sequencer is used and ambiguity derived from phase ambiguity is eliminated. The present invention provides a method for the DNA typing of HLA, which is characterized by comprising: (1) a step of preparing sets of primers which respectively hybridize specifically to an upstream region and a downstream region of at least 2 genes selected from genes belonging to HLA class I and HLA class II in a human genome sequence, and are capable of amplifying under the same PCR conditions; (2) a step of simultaneously amplifying said at least 2 genes in a test sample (DNA) using the sets of primers in a single container under the same PCR conditions; (3) a step of determining the nucleotide sequences of PCR amplified products; and (4) a step of optionally carrying out a homology search within a database.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method and kit for highly precise DNA typing, in which ambiguity derived from phase ambiguity is eliminated. The present invention provides a method for the DNA typing of HLA, which is characterized by comprising: (1) a step of preparing a set of primers which can respectively anneal specifically to an upstream region and a downstream region of each of HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DPA1 and HLA-DPB1 gene in the nucleotide sequence for the human genome, and a set of primers which can respectively anneal specifically to exon-2 and a 3?-side non-translated region in HLA-DRB1; (2) a step of carrying out the PCR amplification of a sample to be tested (DNA) using the sets of primers; (3) a step of determining the nucleotide sequence for a PCR-amplified product; and (4) an optional step of carrying out the homology search in a data base.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a method and kit for the DNA profiling of HLA genes using a high-throughput massively parallel sequencer. The present invention pertains to a method for the DNA profiling of HLA genes, said method being characterized by including: (1) a step for preparing a primer set that anneals specifically to exon 4 and intron 1 and includes exon 2 and exon 3 of at least one target gene selected from the group consisting of HLA-DRB1, HLA-DRB3, HLA-DRB4, HLA-DRB5, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DPB1 in the base sequence of the human genome; (2) a step for amplifying a sample (DNA) by PCR using the primer set; (3) a step for determining the base sequence of the amplified PCR product; and (4) a step for carrying out a homology search against a database.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a method and kit for the DNA profiling of HLA genes using a high-throughput massively parallel sequencer. The present invention pertains to a method for the DNA profiling of HLA genes, said method being characterized by including: (1) a step for preparing a primer set that anneals specifically to exon 4 and intron 1 and includes exon 2 and exon 3 of at least one target gene selected from the group consisting of HLA-DRB1, HLA-DRB3, HLA-DRB4, HLA-DRB5, HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DPB1 in the base sequence of the human genome; (2) a step for amplifying a sample (DNA) by PCR using the primer set; (3) a step for determining the base sequence of the amplified PCR product; and (4) a step for carrying out a homology search against a database.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method and kit for highly precise DNA typing, in which ambiguity derived from phase ambiguity is eliminated. The present invention provides a method for the DNA typing of HLA, which is characterized by comprising: (1) a step of preparing a set of primers which can respectively anneal specifically to an upstream region and a downstream region of each of HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DPA1 and HLA-DPB1 gene in the nucleotide sequence for the human genome, and a set of primers which can respectively anneal specifically to exon-2 and a 3?-side non-translated region in HLA-DRB1; (2) a step of carrying out the PCR amplification of a sample to be tested (DNA) using the sets of primers; (3) a step of determining the nucleotide sequence for a PCR-amplified product; and (4) an optional step of carrying out the homology search in a data base.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method and kit for highly precise DNA typing, in which a high throughput sequencer is used and ambiguity derived from phase ambiguity is eliminated. The present invention provides a method for the DNA typing of HLA, which is characterized by comprising: (1) a step of preparing sets of primers which respectively hybridize specifically to an upstream region and a downstream region of at least 2 genes selected from genes belonging to HLA class I and HLA class II in a human genome sequence, and are capable of amplifying under the same PCR conditions; (2) a step of simultaneously amplifying said at least 2 genes in a test sample (DNA) using the sets of primers in a single container under the same PCR conditions; (3) a step of determining the nucleotide sequences of PCR amplified products; and (4) a step of optionally carrying out a homology search within a database.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method and kit for highly precise DNA typing, in which ambiguity derived from phase ambiguity is eliminated. The present invention provides a method for the DNA typing of HLA, which is characterized by comprising: (1) a step of preparing a set of primers which can respectively anneal specifically to an upstream region and a downstream region of each of HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1, HLA-DPA1 and HLA-DPB1 gene in the nucleotide sequence for the human genome, and a set of primers which can respectively anneal specifically to exon-2 and a 3?-side non-translated region in HLA-DRB1; (2) a step of carrying out the PCR amplification of a sample to be tested (DNA) using the sets of primers; (3) a step of determining the nucleotide sequence for a PCR-amplified product; and (4) an optional step of carrying out the homology search in a data base.

Abstract: Provided are: a method for blocking the biosynthesis of an outer membrane protein (OMP) necessary for the survival of Gram-negative bacteria by inhibiting the formation of a YaeT complex in the outer membrane of the bacteria and an agent therefor for the purpose of basically solving a problem of the development of multidrug resistance in Gram-negative bacteria. Specifically disclosed is an anti-Gram-negative bacteria agent, wherein the agent exerts a bactericidal action, a growth-inhibiting action, and/or a drug efflux-inhibiting action on Gram-negative bacteria by inhibiting the formation of a YaeT complex. The agent is preferably a peptide molecule comprising an amino acid sequence consisting of at least LTLR or a peptide molecule comprising an amino acid sequence consisting of at least FIRL.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gene mapping method which involves analysis of a DNA sample from a test subject and from a control subject for the presence of an allelic form of a plurality of microsatellite genetic polymorphism marker, which markers are located at intervals of about 50 Kb to 150 Kb on the human genome, in order to identify regions of the genome associated with a characteristic of the test subjects relative to the control subjects, e.g., a region containing a pathogenic gene or a gene relating to human phenotypes with genetic factors. The invention also features genomic regions so identified that are associated with susceptibility or the presence of psoriasis vulgaris and with rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: It is intended to identify rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility genes by a highly efficient, low-cost mapping method using microsatellites. In the present invention, novel rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility genes, that is, TNXB, NOTCH4, RAB6A, MPRL48, UCP2, and UCP3 genes, in the human genomic DNA sequence were identified by conducting case-control association analysis on rheumatoid arthritis by use of microsatellite polymorphic markers assigned at approximately 100-kb intervals to narrow down candidate regions and then conducting association analysis and linkage analysis with SNP as a marker.

Abstract: The present inventors used microarrays to identify a novel gene from cDNA clones showing significantly different gene expression in normal tissues compared to psoriasis lesion tissues. This gene was named secretory Ly-6/uPAR-related protein-2 (SLURP-2). Quantitative real-time RT-PCR analysis using total RNA extract was used to compare SLURP-2 gene expression between psoriatic lesional skin, non-lesional skin, and normal skin, to indicate that the SLURP-2 gene is significantly upregulated in psoriasis lesions. Thus, SLURP-2 gene can be used as a diagnostic marker for inflammatory skin diseases such as psoriasis.

Abstract: By a detailed analysis of the sequences of the MHC S gene, SEEK1 gene, and HCR gene of Japanese patients with psoriasis and healthy individuals, it was demonstrated that some of the examined polymorphisms significantly correlate with psoriasis in the group of Japanese patients. Based on these correlations, it was demonstrated that psoriasis vulgaris can be detected by analyzing these gene polymorphisms in patients with psoriasis.

Abstract: In the detection of a genetic polymorphism using a mass spectrometer, a genomic DNA containing target polymorphism can be separated from a DNA sample and bound at the same time onto a platform by the following steps: binding an oligonucleotide that hybridizes with the genomic DNA containing the target polymorphism to the platform; and then applying the genomic DNA sample to the platform. Thus, a target polymorphism can be more efficiently detected. According to the method of the present invention, polymorphisms in a large number of specimens can be quickly and comprehensively detected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gene mapping method which involves analysis of a DNA sample from a test subject and from a control subject for the presence of an allelic form of a plurality of microsatellite genetic polymorphism marker, which markers are located at intervals of about 50 Kb to 150 Kb on the human genome, in order to identify regions of the genome associated with a characteristic of the test subjects relative to the control subjects, e.g., a region containing a pathogenic gene or a gene relating to human phenotypes with genetic factors. The invention also features genomic regions so identified that are associated with susceptibility or the presence of psoriasis vulgaris and with rheumatoid arthritis.

Abstract: HLA genotype of a test specimen is determined by hybridization of a nucleic acid sequence derived from the test specimen by using a substrate on which oligonucleotides of 10-24 nucleotide length derived from sequences of a group of genes belonging to HLA class I or class II antigen on a human genome and including polymorphism of gene as alloantigens in the sequences are immobilized through covalent bonds. There are provided a typing kit and typing method that are suitable for processing of a large number of specimens and enable high accuracy typing by one test.

Abstract: By a detailed analysis of the sequences of the MHC S gene, SEEK1 gene, and HCR gene of Japanese patients with psoriasis and healthy individuals, it was demonstrated that some of the examined polymorphisms significantly correlate with psoriasis in the group of Japanese patients. Based on these correlations, it was demonstrated that psoriasis vulgaris can be detected by analyzing these gene polymorphisms in patients with psoriasis.

Abstract: Novel polymorphic microsatellite markers in the human MHC class II region and methods for disease mapping and genotyping with said microsatellite markers are provided. Said microsatellite markers are useful in HLA-related research, such as genetic mapping of HLA class II associated diseases, transplantation matching, population genetics, and identification of recombination hot spots as well as linkage disequilibrium studies.

Abstract: Lipopolysaccharide-stimulated monocyte/macrophage cell lines are used as antigens to obtain antibodies. Antibodies which inhibit intercellular adhesion of cells stimulated by a differentiation factor or which induce intercellular aggregation of cells in the process of differentiation under stimulation by a differentiation factor are disclosed. Such antibodies can be used to suppress immune responses and in clinical diagnosis of immune system disorders.