Abstract: This invention relates to Type I DNA polymerases, for example, Taq DNA polymerase, and to methods and reagent kits utilizing such polymerases.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, kits, and compositions related to nucleic acid detection that allow the detection and discrimination of various Staphylococcus species and types. In particular, provided herein are assays that allow the detection of MSSA, MSSE, MRSA, MRSE, VRSA, VRSE, and MRSA community strain by detecting the presence of absence of one or more target sequences selected from a list of target genes and sequences that include, but are not limited to: mecA, femA-SA, femA-SE, lukF-PV, lukS-PV, VanA, SCCmec type I, type II, type III, type IV, type V, and type VII. In certain embodiments, asymmetric PCR amplification methods are employed. In other embodiments, probe-target generated signals are detected at least two temperatures to generate a temperature/temperature signal ratio.

Abstract: Biological samples containing nucleic acids, RNA and DNA, are freed from bound proteins by incubation with a chaotropic agent such as a guanidium salt, and the mixture is readied for further processing by dilution of such agent to a concentration below 0.05 M without physical isolation of RNA and DNA from one another or from other components of the reaction mixture. Methods include such preparation and further processing, such as amplification and detection, which may be performed in a single container. Chaotropic agent may be supplied as a dried reagent adhered to a container. Kits may include such reagents, alone or with amplification reagents.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to amplification and detection of a rare variant or variants of a DNA sequence in an abundant variant of the sequence, such as detection of a low-level somatic mutations and minority alleles in an excess of normal nucleic acid target sequences.

Abstract: Methods, compositions and kits for the prevention and treatment of mitochondrial dysfunction, mitochondrial DNA damage and genomic DNA damage are provided. The methods use the administration of palm fruit juice and/or compositions containing phenolic compounds present in palm fruit juice. The methods, compositions, and kits can be used to reduce DNA damage in subjects being treated with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, such as patients having HIV or AIDS.

Abstract: Modified double-stranded oligonucleotides that have terminal regions on each of their strands, that have a hybrid length of 6-50 nucleotides long, that have a melting temperature Tm of at least 32° C., and that include 2-4 modifying groups, each covalently attached to a different terminal region, preferably to a terminal nucleotide, said modifying groups being polycyclic substituents that do not have bulky portions that are non-planar, said modified oligonucleotide being capable of binding to the 5? exonuclease domains of DNA polymerases and, when included in a PCR or other primer-dependent DNA amplification reaction at a concentration, generally not more than 2000 nM, that is effective for at least one of the functions of suppressing mispriming, increasing polymerase selectivity against 3? terminal mismatches.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to amplification and detection of a rare variant or variants of a DNA sequence in an abundant variant of the sequence, such as detection of a low-level somatic mutations and minority alleles in an excess of normal nucleic acid target sequences.

Abstract: This invention includes methods for analyzing single-stranded nucleic acid sequences, either RNA sequences or DNA sequences (ssDNA) utilizing dyes that fluoresce when associated with double strands, so-called DNA binding dyes or dsDNA-dyes. Methods according to this invention utilize a dsDNA-dye in combination with one or more hybridization probes that hybridize to a target nucleic acid sequence and that are labeled with a non-fluorescent quencher moiety, for example, a Black Hole quencher.

Abstract: Provided herein are reagents and kits for detection of multiple target sequences in a single-tube, single-color assay, and methods of use thereof. In particular, multiplex assays are provided for the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex target sequences (e.g., katG, rpoB, inhA promotor, pncA, etc.).

Abstract: Modified double-stranded oligonucleotides that have terminal regions on each of their strands, that have a hybrid length of 6-50 nucleotides long, that have a melting temperature Tm of at least 32° C.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for detecting and identifying sequence variants in the human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene, and compositions and kits for performing such methods. In particular, nucleic acid amplification and fluorescence detection methods are provided for the detection and identification of EGFR sequence variants.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to amplification and detection of a rare variant or variants of a DNA sequence in an abundant variant of the sequence, such as detection of a low-level somatic mutations and minority alleles in an excess of normal nucleic acid target sequences.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for detecting and identifying strains of mycobacteria, and compositions and kits for performing such methods. In particular, nucleic acid amplification and fluorescence detection methods are provided for the detection and differentiation of mycobacteria based on, for example, pathogenicity, species, and antibiotic resistance or sensitivity. Compositions and methods are provided herein to identify and differentiate mycobacteria in mixtures of different mycobacteria and mycobac teria and non-mycobacteria.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods for the detection and analysis of African swine fever virus (ASFV). In particular, kits, compositions, and methods employing LATE-PCR reagents and processes for the detection and analysis of ASFV are provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for detecting mutations in nucleic acid, and compositions and kits for performing such methods. In particular, nucleic acid amplification and fluorescence detection methods are provided to detect mutations and assess the mutational load. The methods are based on a set of adjacently binding probes wherein one probe is labelled with a quencher and the other is a self-indicating probe labelled with fluorophore and quencher. The binding of the probes is analysed by melting curve analysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for nucleic acid based diagnostic assays. In particular, the present invention provides probes and non-amplifiable controls for asymmetric PCR and other amplification modalities. In some embodiments, the present invention provides probe design criteria for probes for use in amplification/detection assays. Further embodiments of the present invention provide non-amplifiable controls for use in generating reference probe signal ratios in amplification detection assays.

Abstract: A non-symmetric polymerise chain reaction (PCR) amplification method employing a limiting primer in low concentration whose concentration-adjusted melting point at least equals, and preferably exceeds, that of the excess primer, the latter in turn not being more than 25° C. below the melting temperature of the amplicon. Assays employing such amplification and labeled hybridization probes, including assays that include a detection step following primer extension or a low-temperature probe, or both. Kits for performing such assays and primer or primer-and-probe sets for performing the foregoing amplifications and assays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for nucleic acid based diagnostic assays. In particular, the present invention provides primers for asymmetric PCR and other amplification modalities. In some embodiments, the present invention provides multiple primers for amplification of related nucleic acid targets in a single reaction.

Abstract: Homogenous detection during or following PCR amplification, preferably LATE-PCR, utilizing fluorescent DNA dye and indirectly excitable labeled primers and probes, improves reproducibility and quantification. Low-temperature homogeneous detection during or following non-symmetric PCR amplification, preferably LATE-PCR, utilizing fluorescent DNA dye and indirectly excitable labeled mismatch-tolerant probes permits analysis of complex targets. Sequencing sample preparation methods following LATE-PCR amplifications reduce complexity and permit “single-tube” processing.

Abstract: A non-symmetric polymerise chain reaction (PCR) amplification method employing a limiting primer in low concentration whose concentration-adjusted melting point at least equals, and preferably exceeds, that of the excess primer, the latter in turn not being more than 25° C. below the melting temperature of the amplicon. Assays employing such amplification and labeled hybridization probes, including assays that include a detection step following primer extension or a low-temperature probe, or both. Kits for performing such assays and primer or primer-and-probe sets for performing the foregoing amplifications and assays.