Abstract: The present invention discloses novel methods and apparatuses for mass spectrometry. In the methods and apparatuses of the invention, ions are accumulated in an ion reservoir and dissociated with coherent radiation prior to mass analysis. These methods and apparatuses are amenable to mass spectrometric analysis of biomolecules and are particularly useful for the sequencing of oligonucleotides, peptides and oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of investigational bioinformatics and more particularly to secondary structure defining databases. The present invention further relates to methods for interrogating a database as a source of molecular masses of known bioagents for comparing against the molecular mass of an unknown or selected bioagent to determine either the identity of the selected bioagent, and/or to determine the origin of the selected bioagent. The identification of the bioagent is important for determining a proper course of treatment and/or irradication of the bioagent in such cases as biological warfare. Furthermore, the determination of the geographic origin of a selected bioagent will facilitate the identification of potential criminal identity.

Abstract: Method for detecting and identifying unknown bioagents, including bacteria, viruses and the like, by a combination of nucleic acid amplification and molecular weight determination using primers which hybridize to conserved sequence regions of nucleic acids derived from a bioagent and which bracket variable sequence regions that uniquely identify the bioagent. The result is a “base composition signature” (BCS) which is then matched against a database of base composition signatures, by which the bioagent is identified.

Abstract: Method for detecting and identifying unknown bioagents, including bacteria, viruses and the like, by a combination of nucleic acid amplification and molecular weight determination using primers which hybridize to conserved sequence regions of nucleic acids derived from a bioagent and which bracket variable sequence regions that uniquely identify the bioagent. The result is a “base composition signature” (BCS) which is then matched against a database of base composition signatures, by which the bioagent is identified.

Abstract: Method for detecting and identifying unknown bioagents, including bacteria, viruses and the like, by a combination of nucleic acid amplification and molecular weight determination using primers which hybridize to conserved sequence regions of nucleic acids derived from a bioagent and which bracket variable sequence regions that uniquely identify the bioagent. The result is a “base composition signature” (BCS) which is then matched against a database of base composition signatures, by which the bioagent is identified.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating the activity of RNA are disclosed. In accordance with preferred embodiments, antisense compositions are prepared comprising targeting and reactive portions. The reactive portions preferably comprise one or two imidazole functionalities conjugated to the targeting oligonucleotide via linkers with or without intervening intercalating moieties. Therapeutics, diagnostics and research methods also are disclosed, as are synthetic nucleosides and nucleoside fragments that can be elaborated into oligonucleotides.

Abstract: Method for detecting and identifying unknown bioagents, including bacteria, viruses and the like, by a combination of nucleic acid amplification and molecular weight determination using primers which hybridize to conserved sequence regions of nucleic acids derived from a bioagent and which bracket variable sequence regions that uniquely identify the bioagent. The result is a “base composition signature” (BCS) which is then matched against a database of base composition signatures, by which the bioagent is identified.

Abstract: Methods for the identification of compounds which modulate, either inhibit or stimulate, biomolecules are provided. Nucleic acids, especially RNAs are preferred substrates for such modulation. The present methods are particularly powerful in that they provide novel combinations of techniques which give rise to compounds, usually “small” organic compounds, which are highly potent modulators of RNA and other biomolecular activity. In accordance with preferred aspects of the invention, very large numbers of compounds may be tested essentially simultaneously to determine whether they are likely to interact with a molecular interaction site and modulate the activity of the biomolecule. Pharmaceuticals, veterinary drugs, agricultural chemicals, industrial chemicals, research chemicals and many other beneficial compounds may be identified in accordance with embodiments of this invention.

Abstract: Method for detecting and identifying unknown bioagents, including bacteria, viruses and the like, by a combination of nucleic acid amplification and molecular weight determination using primers which hybridize to conserved sequence regions of nucleic acids derived from a bioagent and which bracket variable sequence regions that uniquely identify the bioagent. The result is a “base composition signature” (BCS) which is then matched against a database of base composition signatures, by which the bioagent is identified.

Abstract: Methods for the identification of compounds which modulate, either inhibit or stimulate, biomolecules are provided. Nucleic acids, especially RNAs are preferred substrates for such modulation. The present methods are particularly powerful in that they provide novel combinations of techniques which give rise to compounds, usually “small” organic compounds, which are highly potent modulators of RNA and other biomolecular activity. In accordance with preferred aspects of the invention, very large numbers of compounds may be tested essentially simultaneously to determine whether they are likely to interact with a molecular interaction site and modulate the activity of the biomolecule. Pharmaceuticals, veterinary drugs, agricultural chemicals, industrial chemicals, research chemicals and many other beneficial compounds may be identified in accordance with embodiments of this invention.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating the activity of RNA are disclosed. In accordance with preferred embodiments, antisense compositions are prepared comprising targeting and reactive portions. The reactive portions preferably comprise one or two imidazole functionalities conjugated to the targeting oligonucleotide via linkers with or without intervening intercalating moieties. Therapeutics, diagnostics and research methods also are disclosed, as are synthetic nucleosides and nucleoside fragments that can be elaborated into oligonucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the determination of the structure of biomolecular targets, as well as the site and nature of the interaction between ligands and biomolecular targets. The present invention also provides methods for the determination of the relative affinity of a ligand for the biomolecular target it interacts with. Also provided are methods for screening ligand or combinatorial libraries of compounds against one or more than one biological target molecules. The methods of the invention also allow determination of the relative binding affinity of combinatorial and other compounds for a biomolecular target. The present invention further provides methods for the use of mass modifying tags for screening multiple biomolecular targets. In a preferred embodiment, ligands which have great specificity and affinity for molecular interaction sites on biomolecules, especially RNA can be identified.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the determination of the structure of biomolecular targets, as well as the site and nature of the interaction between ligands and biomolecular targets. The present invention also provides methods for the determination of the relative affinity of a ligand for the biomolecular target it interacts with. Also provided are methods for screening ligand or combinatorial libraries of compounds against one or more than one biological target molecules. The methods of the invention also allow determination of the relative binding affinity of combinatorial and other compounds for a biomolecular target. The present invention further provides methods for the use of mass modifying tags for screening multiple biomolecular targets. In a preferred embodiment, ligands which have great specificity and affinity for molecular interaction sites on biomolecules, especially RNA can be identified.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for modulating the activity of RNA are disclosed, In accordance with preferred embodiments, antisense compositions are prepared targeting reactive portions. The reactive portions preferably comprise one or two imidazole functionalities conjugated to the targeting oligonucleotide via linkers with or without intervening intercalating moieties. Therapeutics, diagnostics and research methods also are disclosed, as are synthetic nucleosides and nucleoside fragments that can be elaborated into oligonucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel methods and apparatuses for mass spectrometry. In the methods and apparatuses of the invention, ions are accumulated in an ion reservoir and dissociated with coherent radiation prior to mass analysis. These methods and apparatuses are amenable to mass spectrometric analysis of biomolecules and are particularly useful for the sequencing of oligonucleotides, peptides and oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel methods and apparatuses for mass spectrometry. In the methods and apparatuses of the invention, ions are accumulated in an ion reservoir and dissociated with coherent radiation prior to mass analysis. These methods and apparatuses are amenable to mass spectrometric analysis of biomolecules and are particularly usefuil for the sequencing of oligonucleotides, peptides and oligosaccharides.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the determination of the structure of biomolecular targets, as well as the site and nature of the interaction between ligands and biomolecular targets. The present invention also provides methods for the determination of the relative affinity of a ligand for the biomolecular target it interacts with. Also provided are methods for screening ligand or combinatorial libraries of compounds against one or more than one biological target molecules. The methods of the invention also allow determination of the relative binding affinity of combinatorial and other compounds for a biomolecular target. The present invention further provides methods for the use of mass modifying tags for screening multiple biomolecular targets. In a preferred embodiment, ligands which have great specificity and affinity for molecular interaction sites on biomolecules, especially RNA can be identified.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the generation of virtual libraries of compounds. These compounds are generated in silico. The present invention encompasses methods for tracking the addition of fragments, use of reagents, and transformations performed. Further, methods for interfacing the information necessary to generate libraries of compounds with instrumentation that conducts the actual synthesis of the compounds are provided. Also provided are methods for the in silico docking of the library compounds to identified target molecules of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the generation of virtual libraries of compounds. These compounds are generated in silico. The present invention encompasses methods for tracking the addition of fragments, use of reagents, and transformations performed. Further, methods for interfacing the information necessary to generate libraries of compounds with instrumentation that conducts the actual synthesis of the compounds are provided. Also provided are methods for the in silico docking of the library compounds to identified target molecules of interest.

Abstract: Methods of identifying molecular interaction sites in eukaryotic and prokaryotic nucleic acids, especially RNA, are described. Secondary structural elements are identified from highly conserved sequences. Methods of preparing databases relating to such molecular interaction sites are also provided herein as are databases themselves. Therapeutic, agricultural, industrial, and other applicability results from interaction of such molecular interaction sites with “small” and other molecules.