Abstract: This invention relates to non-radioactive markers that facilitate the detection and analysis of nascent proteins translated within cellular or cell-free translation systems. Nascent proteins containing these markers can be rapidly and efficiently detected, isolated and analyzed without the handling and disposal problems associated with radioactive reagents. Preferred markers are dipyrrometheneboron difluoride (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene) dyes.

Abstract: This invention relates to an approach for detection of chain truncating mutations based on the utilization of existing sample collection methods such as FOBT platforms, together with advanced methods for cell-free protein expression. “When further combined with mass spectrometry, the invention provides the ability to simultaneously detect changes in the amino acid sequence of multiple peptides. In some embodiments, DNA is isolated from a patient fecal sample and specific regions of a gene (i.e., for example, a K-ras gene or an APC gene) are PCR amplified using specifically designed primers that allow translation of encoded peptide fragments in a cell-free protein synthesis system. Nascent proteins are affinity purified and their mass is detected by MALDI-TOF which allows identifying low levels of mutations.

Abstract: This invention relates to non-radioactive markers that facilitate the detection and analysis of nascent proteins translated within cellular or cell-free translation systems. Nascent proteins containing these markers can be rapidly and efficiently detected, isolated and analyzed without the handling and disposal problems associated with radioactive reagents. Preferred markers are dipyrrometheneboron difluoride (4,4-difluoro-4-bora-3a,4a-diaza-s-indacene) dyes.