Abstract: The invention provides polynucleotides and methods for detecting and quantifying RNA viruses, such as enteroviruses and noroviruses. In one aspect, the invention provides amplification primers and labeled molecular beacons for amplification of viral nucleic acid sequences. In another aspect, the invention provides a synthetic RNA internal control. In another aspect, the invention provides a kit for detecting the presence of enterovirus and/or norovirus in a sample.

Abstract: The luxA, B, C, D, and E genes from Photorhabdus luminescens have been introduced into Saccharomyces cerevisiae bioluminescent yeast cells.

Abstract: The invention provides polynucleotides and methods for detecting and quantifying RNA viruses, such as enteroviruses and noroviruses. In one aspect, the invention provides amplification primers and labeled molecular beacons for amplification of viral nucleic acid sequences. In another aspect, the invention provides a synthetic RNA internal control. In another aspect, the invention provides a kit for detecting the presence of enterovirus and/or norovirus in a sample.

Abstract: The luxA and luxB genes from P. luminescens which encode for the luciferase protein of the bacterial luciferase system were modified to generate codon-optimized versions that are optimized for expression in mammalian cells. The codon-optimized bacterial luciferase enzyme system genes of the invention can be used to develop a mammalian bioluminescence bioreporter useful in various medical research and diagnostics applications.