Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and kits for inhibiting cDNA synthesis of unwanted RNA species during reverse transcription. The methods and kits provided herein use blocking oligonucleotides such as those comprising locked nucleic acids (LNAs).

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for the specific detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) serotypes O157:H7 and/or O145:H28. The methods and kits are based on the detection of newly identified sequence regions, which have a very high sequence identity between E. coli serotypes O157:H7 and O145:H28 and which are not present in any other known E. coli serotype or bacteria. This sequence region thus allows for selective detection of E. coli O157:1-17 and/or O145:H28 from other bacteria, especially other E. coli serotypes. Furthermore the present invention shows that a 3 bp InDel sequence in O157:H7 allows for distinguishing between O157:H7 and O145:H28, which allows for selective detection of O157:H7 over O145:H28 and vice versa. Furthermore, the invention provides oligonucleotides useful for said detection.

Abstract: Short tandem repeat (STR) markers are genetic elements that are frequently used in the fields of forensic analysis, paternity determination and detection of genetic diseases and cancers. Such analysis involves the amplification of STR loci. Technically, this can be challenging due to sequence variations in the flanking regions of the locus. In the case of SE33, previous amplification efforts have failed. The present invention describes a set of primers for the amplification of SE33 and a method for the analysis of the presence and/or level of SE33, also in combination with other STRs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and kits for the specific detection of Escherichia coli (E.coli) serotypes O157:H7 and/or O145:H28. The methods and kits are based on the values for the E. coli O157:H7 assay on E. coli O157:117 detection of newly identified sequence regions, which have a very high sequence identity between E.coli serotypes O157:H7 and O145:H28 and which are not present in any other known E.coli serotype or bacteria. This sequence region thus allows for selective detection of E.coli O157:1-17 and/or O145:H28 from other bacteria, especially other E.coli serotypes. Furthermore the present invention shows that a 3 bp InDel sequence in O157:H7 allows for distinguishing between O157:H7 and O145:H28, which allows for selective detection of O157:H7 over O145:H28 and vice versa. Furthermore, the invention provides oligo-nucleotides useful for said detection.

Abstract: Short tandem repeat (STR) markers are genetic elements that are frequently used in the fields of forensic analysis, paternity determination and detection of genetic diseases and cancers. Such analysis involves the amplification of STR loci. Technically, this can be challenging due to sequence variations in the flanking regions of the locus. In the case of SE33, previous amplification efforts have failed. The present invention describes a set of primers for the amplification of SE33 and a method for the analysis of the presence and/or level of SE33, also in combination with other STRs.

Abstract: Molecular biology techniques are widely used in genotyping applications and other areas such as biological research, forensic and diagnostic applications, including human identification and paternity testing and for diagnosis of infectious diseases or chimera analysis after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation as well the detection of genetic diseases and cancer. The most commonly used technique is the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that allows the researchers to amplify the desired DNA requiring only tiny amounts of sample. Such amplification reactions are technically challenging and are often hampered by several practical issues such as the presence of PCR inhibitors, sample degradation and low quantities of said sample. The invention addresses these issues by means of an internal amplification control consisting of a set of primers and an artificial template. The primers define two fragments of different sizes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quantifying and/or detecting one or more nucleic acids of a genome in a sample, wherein in an amplification reaction, (i) a first nucleic acid is amplified, the locus that is amplified is a multicopy locus (MCL) within the genome, wherein the locus shares at least 80% sequence identity to a sequence according to SEQ ID NO. 1 over a stretch of 80 base pairs, and wherein the multicopy locus has copies on at least two different chromosomes, (ii) a second nucleic acid that has been added as an internal control (IC) is also amplified, and (iii) the amount of amplification product from the amplification of the first nucleic acid is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, kit and use of various nucleic acid sequences for deleting and/or quantifying one or more nucleic acids of a genome in a sample. Wherein the nucleic acid is amplified and the locus that is amplified is a multi copy locus within the genome, the multicopy locus has copies on at least two different chromosomes and the amplification product is detected and/or quantified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for quantifying and/or detecting one or more nucleic acids of a genome in a sample, wherein in an amplification reaction, (i) a first nucleic acid is amplified, the locus that is amplified is a multicopy locus (MCL) within the genome, wherein the locus shares at least 80% sequence identity to a sequence according to SEQ ID NO. 1 over a stretch of 80 base pairs, and wherein the multicopy locus has copies on at least two different chromosomes, (ii) a second nucleic acid that has been added as an internal control (IC) is also amplified, and (iii) the amount of amplification product from the amplification of the first nucleic acid is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, kit and use of various nucleic acid sequences for deleting and/or quantifying one or more nucleic acids of a genome in a sample. Wherein the nucleic acid is amplified and the locus that is amplified is a multi copy locus within the genome, the multicopy locus has copies on at least two different chromosomes and the amplification product is detected and/or quantified.