Abstract: A modified protein of the single strand DNA-binding domain, SSB family comprising a detectable label is disclosed. The label has detectable characteristics which alter on binding single stranded DNA. The protein is thus useful in an assay for single stranded DNA.

Abstract: The invention provides multimers of S. solfataricus ssDNA binding protein that bind single stranded DNA. The multimers are robust and stable reagents for use in PCR and other techniques for engineering DNA. The invention further provides methods for performing nucleic acid amplification and engineering using the multimers.

Abstract: A modified protein of the single strand DNA-binding domain, SSB family comprising a detectable label is disclosed. The label has detectable characteristics which alter on binding single stranded DNA. The protein is thus useful in an assay for single stranded DNA.

Abstract: The invention provides ssDNA-binding proteins from three species of archaeons, Methanococcus jannaschii, Methanobacter theromoautotrophicum, and Archaeoglobus fulgidus, as well as the ability to identify ssDNA-binding proteins from other archaeons. The proteins help render DNA more accessible to DNA polymerase and are robust reagents for a variety of biotechnical processes, including PCR. The invention further provides nucleic acids encoding such proteins, vectors for transfecting host cells, host cells comprising the vectors, and methods of using the proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides ssDNA-binding proteins from three species of archaeons, Methanococcus jannaschii, Methanobacter theromoautotrophicum, and Archaeoglobus fulgidus, as well as the ability to identify ssDNA-binding proteins from other archaeons. The proteins help render DNA more accessible to DNA polymerase and are robust reagents for a variety of biotechnical processes, including PCR. The invention further provides nucleic acids encoding such proteins, vectors for transfecting host cells, host cells comprising the vectors, and methods of using the proteins.

Abstract: The invention provides multimers of S. solfataricus ssDNA binding protein that bind single stranded DNA. The multimers are robust and stable reagents for use in PCR and other techniques for engineering DNA. The invention further provides methods for performing nucleic acid amplification and engineering using the multimers.

Abstract: The invention provides spectroscopic methods for detecting helicase activity and inhibitors of helicase activity. Samples are assayed for helicase activity by: (a) incubating a mixture of the sample, double-stranded nucleic acid and a suitable luminescent marker which lumineses selectively in the presence of double-stranded nucleic acid; (b) exposing the mixture to light capable of inducing luminescence from the marker; and (c) detecting the intensity of luminescence from the mixture. Alternatively, samples are assayed for helicase inhibitors by further including in the mixture a helicase and incubating the mixture under conditions whereby, but for the presence of an inhibitor of the helicase in the sample, the helicase would be capable of converting a portion of the double-stranded nucleic acid into single-stranded nucleic acid. In both assays, helicase activity is inversely proportional to the detected luminescense. The methods are particularly suited to high-throughput drug screening.