Abstract: The present application relates to a method for analyzing a molecular target in a sample. The method involves providing an aptamer, wherein the aptamer is a high affinity binding partner to at least a portion of the molecular target in the sample. The aptamer is contacted with the sample containing the molecular target under conditions effective for the molecular target and aptamer to bind to each other. The molecular target is separated from the sample to form a molecular target enriched sample. The separated molecular target of the enriched sample is then analyzed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nucleic acid ligands or aptamers that bind to and inhibit the activation of the ?-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA) subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors. Also disclosed is a novel combination of technologies, i.e., SELEX and laser pulse photolysis for the selection and screening of aptamers that inhibit receptor function and are useful therefore, in the treatment of diseases associated with excessive activation of ionotropic glutamate receptors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nucleic acid molecule comprised of first and second nucleic acid elements that each bind a target molecule, and a three-way junction operably linking the first and second nucleic elements. Also disclosed is an RNA scaffold comprising first and second RNA receptor regions operably linked by a three-way junction, wherein the first and second RNA receptor regions each comprise a stem defined by at least two sets of consecutive, canonic, paired bases. A method of using a multivalent nucleic acid aptamer to bring a first and second target molecule into proximity of one another is also disclosed. Also disclosed are constructed DNA molecules, engineered genes, transgenic non-human organisms, methods of modifying activity of target molecules, and functional RNA molecules comprising an RNA scaffold and one or more functional modules. A method for modular design and construction of nucleic acid molecules is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of reacting a receptor and a target. A reaction liquid having one or more receptors and one or more targets is provided. A confining fluid that is immiscible with the reaction liquid is positioned adjacent a first surface of the reaction liquid. The confining fluid is stirred, thereby allowing the one or more receptors and one or more targets to react with each other. Alternatively, a coverplate is positioned adjacent a first surface of the reaction liquid and reaction between the receptors and targets occurs upon rotating the coverplate. Also disclosed is a system for reacting a receptor and a target. The system involves a holding device having a reaction liquid, a confining fluid adjacent a first surface of the reaction liquid, and a mixing device positioned within the confining fluid. Alternatively, the system can be a substrate, a rotating coverplate, and a reaction liquid between the substrate and the coverplate.