Abstract: The invention concerns mammalian recombinase genes (REC2) and their promoters. Over expression of REC2 in a cell is found to facilitate homologous recombination, particularly homologous recombination using a DNA/RNA chimeric oligonucleotide and to sensitize a cell to the apoptotic effects of irradiation. The REC2 promoter, in combination with a strong enhancer, e.g., a SV40 enhancer, was found to be a strong promoter following irradiation of the cells. A radiation induceable promoter can be used to sensitize a cell to radiation treatment by operably linking the radiation induceable promoter to a gene whose expression converts a prodrug to a drug such as a herpes thymidien kinase gene.

Abstract: Disclosed are the Hmp class of polypeptides, DNA sequences encoding those polypeptides, and uses thereof, particularly in methods and kits for mismatch (for example, mutation) detection.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of phosphorylating a serine containing substrate by incubating the substrate with ATP and an enzyme that is hsRec2 or muRec2 or a derivative thereof. The natural substrates of the kinase activity of Rec2 are the cell cycle control proteins such as p53 and cyclin E. The over expression of Rec2 is known to cause cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis and the invention discloses that these effects are kinase mediated. Accordingly, the invention provides a method of assessing antagonists and agonists of Rec2, which antagonists and agonists would have pharmacological activity. The invention further discloses that there is specific binding between hsRec2 and at least three cell cycle control proteins: p53, PCNA and cdc2.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of phosphorylating a serine containing substrate by incubating the substrate with ATP and an enzyme that is hsRec2 or muRec2 or a derivative thereof. The natural substrates of the kinase activity of Rec2 are the cell cycle control proteins such as p53 and cyclin E. The over expression of Rec2 is known to cause cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis and the invention discloses that these effects are kinase mediated. Accordingly, the invention provides a method of assessing antagonists and agonists of Rec2, which antagonists and agonists would have pharmacological activity. The invention further discloses that there is specific binding between hsRec2 and at least three cell cycle control proteins: p53, PCNA and cdc2.

Abstract: The invention concerns genes encoding recombinases that can be used to promote homologous recombination in eukaryotic cells. The application teaches methods by which a recombinase of one species can be used to isolate a homologous recombinase of a different species and methods to identify the isolated homologs. Recombinases from Ustilago maydis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae and humans are specifically included in the invention.The invention encompasses the method of producing an isolated recombinase protein in a prokaryotic cell and recovering the product in an active form. The invention also encompasses a genetically engineered gene which encodes a non-naturally occurring recombinase that causes a greater rate of recombination than does the naturally occurring recombinase. The invention further encompasses the use of recombinase proteins and of recombinase genes to promote homologous recombination, including recombination between a host cell genome and a chimeric oligonucleotide, i.e.

Abstract: The invention concerns genes encoding recombinases that can be used to promote homologous recombination in eukaryotic cells and expression vectors that can be used to transiently express recombinases in target cells. One embodiment of the invention encompasses genetically engineered nucleic acids that encode a non-naturally occurring recombinase that causes a greater rate of recombination than does the naturally occurring recombinase. Recombinases from Ustilago maydis, Saccharomyces cerevisiae are specifically included in the invention.