Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for the production and isolation of nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the invention concerns isolation of mRNA molecules and the production and isolation of nucleic acid molecules (e.g., cDNA molecules or libraries), which may be single- or double-stranded. Additionally, the invention concerns selection and isolation of particular nucleic acid molecules of interest from a sample which may contain a population of molecules. Specifically, the invention concerns affinity-labeled primer-adapter molecules which allow improved isolation and production of such nucleic acid molecules, increasing both product recovery and speed of isolation.

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: Novel peptides derived from antibody complementarity determining regions (CDRs) that enhance delivery of macromolecules into cells, particularly when used in combination with cationic lipids, are provided. The peptides can be combined with cationic lipids, and compositions of cationic lipids associated with enhancer elements, to provide reagents that can complex with macromolecules such as nucleic acids, proteins and peptides and permit introduction of these macromolecules into a variety of cells and tissues in vitro or in vivo with greatly enhanced efficiency compared to other lipid-based reagents. Methods for delivering macromolecules into target cells and tissues using the lipids and enhancer elements are provided.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of making cDNA molecules and cDNA libraries. The invention also relates to cDNA molecules and cDNA libraries produced according to these methods, as well as to vectors and host cells containing such cDNA molecules and libraries. The invention also relates to kits for making the cDNA molecules and libraries of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of making cDNA molecules and cDNA libraries. The invention also relates to cDNA molecules and cDNA libraries produced according to these methods, as well as to vectors and host cells containing such cDNA molecules and libraries. The invention also relates to kits for making the cDNA molecules and libraries of the invention.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing cells which are competent for transformation and which may be stably stored for extended periods of time at various temperatures. The method involves growing cells in a growth conducive medium, rendering said cells competent, and lyophilizing said competent cells. The invention further relates to competent cells produced by such a method, to methods of transforming said cells with a DNA molecule, and to a method of producing a desired protein or polypeptide from said transformed cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides certain cationic lipids containing stigmasterol, ergosterol and cholic acid groups. Compounds of the invention are useful, either alone or in combination with other lipid aggregate-forming components (e.g., DOPE, DOSPA, DOTMA or cholesterol) for formulation into liposomes or other lipid aggregates. Such aggregates are cationic, and able to form stable complexes with anionic macromolecules, such as nucleic acids. The cationic lipids of the invention are useful in methods of transfecting cells, particularly to introduce nucleic acids into cells. The invention also related to kits for the preparation of lipid aggregates and to lipid aggregates and compositions for transfection of cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing cells which are competent for transformation and which may be stably stored for extended periods of time at various temperatures. The method involves growing cells in a growth conducive medium, rendering said cells competent, and lyophilizing said competent cells. The invention further relates to competent cells produced by such a method, to methods of transforming said cells with a DNA molecule, and to a method of producing a desired protein or polypeptide from said transformed cells.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of making cDNA molecules and cDNA libraries. The invention also relates to cDNA molecules and cDNA libraries produced according to these methods, as well as to vectors and host cells containing such cDNA molecules and libraries. The invention also relates to kits for making the cDNA molecules and libraries of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for enhancing synthesis of nucleic acid molecules, particularly GC-rich nucleic acid molecules. Specifically, the invention provides compositions comprising one or more nitrogen-containing organic compounds having a formula selected from the group consisting of formula I and formula II (or salts or derivatives thereof), preferably 4-methylmorpholine N-oxide or betaine (carboxymethyltrimethylammonium), and further comprising one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of proline and an N-alkylimidazole compound, and more preferably proline, 1-methylimidazole or 4-methylimidazole. The invention further relates to methods for enhanced, high-fidelity synthesis of nucleic acid molecules, including via amplification (particularly PCR), reverse transcription, and sequencing methods.

Abstract: A method for immunization using genetic material is disclosed. Compositions for genetic immunization comprising cationic lipids and polynucleotides are also disclosed. Methods for using genetic immunization to produce polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are also disclosed. A method for epitope mapping is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods of making cDNA molecules and cDNA libraries. The invention also relates to cDNA molecules and cDNA libraries produced according to these methods, as well as to vectors and host cells containing such cDNA molecules and libraries. The invention also relates to kits for making the cDNA molecules and libraries of the invention.

Abstract: The present invention provides certain cationic lipids containing stigmasterol, ergosterol and cholic acid groups. Compounds of the invention are useful, either alone or in combination with other lipid aggregate-forming components (e.g., DOPE, DOSPA, DOTMA or cholesterol) for formulation into liposomes or other lipid aggregates. Such aggregates are cationic, and able to form stable complexes with anionic macromolecules, such as nucleic acids. The cationic lipids of the invention are useful in methods of transfecting cells, particularly to introduce nucleic acids into cells. The invention also related to kits for the preparation of lipid aggregates and to lipid aggregates and compositions for transfection of cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for producing cells which are competent for transformation and which may be stably stored for extended periods of time at various temperatures. The method involves growing cells in a growth conducive medium, rendering said cells competent, and lyophilizing said competent cells. The invention further relates to competent cells produced by such a method, to methods of transforming said cells with a DNA molecule, and to a method of producing a desired protein or polypeptide from said transformed cells.

Abstract: A method for immunization using genetic material is disclosed. Compositions for genetic immunization comprising cationic lipids and polynucleotides are also disclosed. Methods for using genetic immunization to produce polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies are also disclosed. A method for epitope mapping is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for enhancing synthesis of nucleic acid molecules, particularly GC-rich nucleic acid molecules. Specifically, the invention provides compositions comprising one or more nitrogen-containing organic compounds having a formula selected from the group consisting of formula I and formula II (or salts or derivatives thereof), preferably 4-methylmorpholine N-oxide or betaine (carboxymethyltrimethylammonium), and further comprising one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of proline and an N-alkylimidazole compound, and more preferably proline, 1-methylimidazole or 4-methylimidazole. The invention further relates to methods for enhanced, high-fidelity synthesis of nucleic acid molecules, including via amplification (particularly PCR), reverse transcription, and sequencing methods.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for the production and isolation of nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the invention concerns isolation of mRNA molecules and the production and isolation of nucleic acid molecules (e.g., cDNA molecules or libraries), which may be single- or double-stranded. Additionally, the invention concerns selection and isolation of particular nucleic acid molecules of interest from a sample which may contain a population of molecules. Specifically the invention concerns affinity-labeled primer-adapter molecules which allow improved isolation and production of such nucleic acid molecules, increasing both product recovery and speed of isolation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to compositions and methods for enhancing synthesis of nucleic acid molecules, particularly GC-rich nucleic acid molecules. Specifically, the invention provides compositions comprising one or more nitrogen-containing organic compounds having a formula selected from the group consisting of formula I and formula II (or salts or derivatives thereof), preferably 4-methylmorpholine N-oxide or betaine (carboxymethyltrimethylammonium), and further comprising one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of proline and an N-alkylimidazole compound, and more preferably proline, 1-methyliimidazole or 4-methylimidazole. The invention further relates to methods for enhanced, high-fidelity synthesis of nucleic acid molecules, including via amplification (particularly PCR), reverse transcription, and sequencing methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inducible regulatory system in which transcription of a target nucleotide sequence in a host cell is activated by the introduction of a fusion protein having a transcription activator region and a protein transduction domain for entry of the fusion protein into the cell.

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.