Abstract: The present application relates to the use of hybridization chain reaction (HCR) to form double stranded RNA polymers in the presence of a target, such as a nucleic acid associated with a disease or disorder. The RNA polymers are preferably able to activate the RNA-dependent kinase PKR. Activation of PKR via RNA-HCR can be used to treat a wide variety of diseases and disorders by specifically targeting diseased cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of calorimetric hybridization chain reaction (HCR) to detect the presence of one or more target analytes in a sample. In the preferred embodiments, metastable nucleic acid monomers are provided that associate in the presence of an initiator nucleic acid. Upon exposure to the initiator, the monomers self-assemble in a hybridization chain reaction. The monomers themselves may be conjugated to nano-gold particles. In other embodiments, a detection component is provided that comprises nano-gold particles and is able to bind to or associate with polymerized monomers. Thus, self-assembly of the HCR monomers leads to aggregation of nano-gold particles and a detectable change in sample color.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of fluorescently labeled nucleic acid probes to identify and image analytes in a biological sample. In the preferred embodiments, a probe is provided that comprises a target region able to specifically bind an analyte of interest and an initiator region that is able to initiate polymerization of nucleic acid monomers. After contacting a sample with the probe, labeled monomers are provided that form a tethered polymer. Triggered probes and self-quenching monomers can be used to provide active background suppression.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of nucleic acid probes to identify analytes in a sample. In the preferred embodiments, metastable nucleic acid monomers are provided that associate in the presence of an initiator nucleic acid. Upon exposure to the initiator, the monomers self-assemble in a hybridization chain reaction. The initiator nucleic acid may be, for example, a portion of an analyte to be detected or may be part of an initiation trigger such that it is made available in the presence of a target analyte.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for quantitative protein design and optimization. In particular, the invention describes the use of Hybrid Exact Rotamer Optimization algorithms in protein design.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for quantitative protein design and optimization. In particular, the invention describes the use of Hybrid Exact Rotamer Optimization algorithms in protein design.