Abstract: Novel proteins obtainable by mutagenesis of surface-exposed amino acids of domains of natural bacterial receptors, said proteins being obtained without substantial loss of basic structure and stability of said natural bacterial receptors; proteins which have been selected from a protein library embodying a repertoire of said novel proteins; and methods for the manufacture of artificial bacterial receptor structures.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of determining the amount of target DNA in a sample which comprises the steps of (a) dividing the sample into a plurality of aliquots; (b) adding to each aliquot a known amount of competitor DNA which is the same as the target DNA except that it comprises a recognition site capable of being detected directly or indirectly by a labelled species whereby the ratio of target DNA to competitor DNA is different in the aliquots; (c) co-amplifying the target DNA and competitor DNA in each aliquot by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using at least one primer which permits immobilization of the co-amplified DNA, the annealing sites of any PCR primers used being outward of the recognition site; (d) labelling the amplified competitor DNA; (e) before or after step (d), immobilizing the co-amplified DNA where not already immobilized, via at least one PCR primer; (f) assessing the amount of label on the immobilized amplified competitor DNA in each aliquot to provide an indication of the am

Abstract: A method of and kit for diagnosis of medical conditions by identification of specific DNA characterized in that DNA in a sample is subjected to initial amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method using a first pair of primers specific to the target DNA and the amplified DNA so produced is further amplified by the PCR method using a second primer pair, one or both of which are different from either of said first primer pair and are specific to a sequence or sequences of the target DNA between the hybridization sites of said first primer pair, one of the primers of said second primer pair being immobilized on a solid support or being provided with means for subsequent attachment to a solid support and the other of said second pair of primers carrying a label or being provided with means for subsequent attachment to a label, said amplification being followed by separation of said solid support carrying said amplified DNA and detection of label attached thereto, one or both of said means for subse

Abstract: The invention provides a method of identification of the base in a target position in a DNA sequence wherein sample DNA is subjected to amplification; the amplified DNA is immobilised and then subjected to strand separation, the non-immobilised strand being removed and an extension primer, which hybridises to the immobilised DNA immediately adjacent to the target position, is provided; each of four aliquots of the immobilised single stranded DNA is then subjected to a polymerase reaction in the presence of a dideoxynucleotide, each aliquot using a different dideoxynucleotide whereby only the dideoxynucleotide whereby only the dideoxynucleotide complementary to the base in the target position becomes incorpored; the four aliquots are then subjected to extension in the presence of all four deoxynucleotides, whereby in each aliquot the DNA which has not reacted with the dideoxynucleotide is extended to form double stranded DNA while the dideoxy-blocked DNA remains as non-extended DNA; followed by identification

Abstract: A method of amplifying target DNA is disclosed wherein said DNA is first amplified by PCR, the amplified DNA then being contacted with a single stranded linearised plasmid vector having terminal regions which are complementary to terminal regions of the PCR amplified DNA, whereby a cyclic product is formed comprising single stranded sequences from said target DNA and said vector and two double stranded regions from the overlapping terminal regions of the vector and the PCR amplified DNA; the cyclic product then being introduced into a host organism. Two-stage PCR may be performed and site-specific mutagenesis may be effected between PCR amplification and formation of the cyclic product. The single-stranded linearised plasmid vector and/or the target DNA may be immobilised. Kits are disclosed for performing various aspects of the method which can be used in a method of diagnosis wherein the target DNA is characteristic of a physiological condition.

Abstract: A process for preparing antibodies specific for an amino acid sequence which comprises immunizing a mammal with a fused protein comprising said amino acid sequence fused to an immunogenic IgG binding protein is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of sequencing target DNA in which said DNA is provided in double stranded form immobilized on a solid support via one terminus of one of the two strands thereof and is then subjected to strand separation whereby the unattached strand is removed prior to sequencing the immobilized strand. The target DNA, e.g genomic DNA, may initially be amplified by the PCR method using at least one oligonucleotide primer which is either attached to a solid support or carries means for attachment to a solid support.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for automatic purification of extra-chromosomal DNA from a cell suspension in a container. The apparatus comprises a device for introducing the cell suspension from a container into a chamber; a device for agitating the contents of the chamber; a device for introducing a lysing solution to the chamber to lyse the cells therein; a device for introducing a precipitating solution into the chamber to precipitate chromosomal DNA and, optionally, proteins and cellular debris therein; a device for feeding the liquid contents of the chamber through a filter to a collecting system; a device for purifying extra-chromosomal DNA from the contents of the collecting device; a device for introducing a dissolving solution into the chamber to dissolve the precipitate remaining therein, and a device for feeding the dissolved precipitate to waste.

Abstract: A process for expressing proteins in Gram(-) bacteria and providing for extracellular secretion thereof, comprising the steps: a) introducing into a Gram(-) bacterium a recombinant DNA construction comprising a promoter, a signal sequence enabling translocation and processing, and a structural gene encoding the desired protein to be expressed; b) cultivating the bacterium under conditions resulting in filamentous growth; and c) recovering the extracellularly secreted protein; a recombinant DNA construction comprising:a promoter, a signal sequence and a structural gene including a cleavage region,wherein the structural gene is of the formula:(E).sub.n (B).sub.m -Y,where n is an integer .gtoreq.

Abstract: A recombinant DNA fragment (Z) coding for an immunoglobulin G binding domain related to staphylococcal protein A. The methionine codon of the recombinant DNA fragment has been replaced with a codon of an amino acid residue other than methionine to enable expression of a methionine-free protein. The present invention is also directed to recombinant DNA sequence containing such recombinant DNAS fragment (Z) as well as a recombinant DNA molecule, plasmid vector and bacterial cell containing such recombinant DNAS fragment. Also disclosed is a process for cleaving a fused protein expressed in a biological system using said recombinant DNA fragment.

Abstract: A method of producing and selectively isolating a desired protein or polypeptide or derivative thereof by constructing a recombinant vector comprising a DNA sequence coding for said desired protein or polypeptide operatively linked to a DNA sequence coding for protein A or an active polypeptide fragment thereof or any other macromolecule capable of binding to the constant regions of immunoglobulins, such that said DNA sequences together code for an IgG-binding fusion product between said desired protein or polypeptide and said protein A, active polypeptide fragment thereof or macromolecule; transforming a compatible host with said recombinant vector such that the combined DNA sequences coding for said fusion protein or polypeptide can be expressed by the host, and culturing the transformed host in a suitable growth medium to produce said fusion protein or polypeptide; selectively isolating said fusion protein or polypeptide by adsorption to an IgG-supporting carrier material; and optionally desorbing said fus