Abstract: An in vivo method for labelling a protein having an N-terminal cysteine is disclosed. A probe comprising a thioester group and a detectable label is introduced into a cell expressing the N-terminal cysteine protein, allowing for the N-terminal cysteine to cleave the thioester bond and resulting in the label being covalently attached to the N-terminus of the protein by an amide bond.

Abstract: Invention relates to antibodies with a specificity to an abnormally truncated form of tau protein which is conformationally different from normal tau and does not bind to normal tau protein, conformationally different tau proteins (“tauons”) and diagnostic and therapeutical aspects in relation to Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibody-based arrays for detecting the activation state and/or total amount of a plurality of signal transduction molecules in rare circulating cells and methods of use thereof for facilitating cancer prognosis and diagnosis and the design of personalized, targeted therapies.

Abstract: The biosensor comprises a modular biorecognition element and a modular flexible arm element. The biorecognition element and the flexible arm element are each labeled with a signaling element. The flexible arm contains an analog of an analyte of interest that binds with the biorecognition element, bringing the two signaling elements in close proximity, which establishes a baseline fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). When an analyte of interest is provided to the biosensor, the analyte will displace the analyte analog, and with it, the signaling module of the modular flexible arm, causing a measurable change in the FRET signal in a analyte concentration dependent manner. The modularity of different portions of the biosensor allows functional flexibility. The biosensor-operates without additional development reagents, requiring only the presence of analyte or target for function.

Abstract: A target asparagine residue of HIF 1 alpha and 2 alpha is hydroxylated at high oxygen tension to render HIF as a weak transcription factor. An asparagine hydroxylase hydroxylation motif and binding motif is proposed. A method of screening for agonists or antagonists of an asparagine hydroxylase is also proposed and involves mixing peptides or proteins having the hydroxylation and or the binding motif with asparagine hydroxylase and a candidate agonist or antagonist. The extent of inhibition or enhancement of binding; level of asparagine hydroxylation or transactivation may be measured depending on the nature of the protein or peptide. Additionally altered proteins resistant to hydroxylation are described as are nucleic acids encoding such proteins.

Abstract: A reagent kit for measuring an HCV antibody is described herein. This reagent comprises a first and second reagents. The first reagent comprises an HCV synthetic peptide antigen which has a solid phase binding site. The second reagent comprises a solid phase. On the solid phase is immobilized a binding substance and/or an HCV recombinant HCV antigen. The binding substance can bind to the solid phase binding site. The method for measuring an HCV antibody in a sample is also described. This method comprises a step for contacting the sample, the first reagent and the second reagent, and a step for detecting a complex comprising the antigen and antibody.

Abstract: The invention includes a streptavidin mutein having at least one mutation chosen to cause one or more of steric hindrance, charge repulsion, or improvement of solubility by changing interfacial hydrophobic residues to less hydrophobic or hydrophilic residues. The mutein may exist in monomeric form even in the presence of biotin, and reversibly binds to biotin. The invention also includes polynucleotides encoding such muteins, expression systems and host cells for producing such muteins. The invention also includes a method of capturing biotinylated molecules using the muteins of the invention.

Abstract: Provided is a detection method including exposing, to contact with a surface to which a cofactor has been bound, a nuclear receptor protein serving as a counterpart of the cofactor and a test sample; and detecting a substance which is contained in the test sample and which binds to the nuclear receptor, on the basis of a change in degree of binding between the nuclear receptor protein and the cofactor. The detection method is means for detecting a living-body-related substance, which means employs a nuclear receptor-cofactor system, exhibits detection high sensitivity, provides a convenient detection process, and realizes efficient establishment of a detection system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of predicting pregnancy outcome in a subject by determining the amount of an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of hCG in a sample. The present invention further provides a method for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated molecular isoforms of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a sample. The present invention also provides a diagnostic kit for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated hCG is a sample. The present invention additionally provides an antibody which specifically binds to an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of human chorionic gonadotropin. Finally, the present invention provides methods for detecting trophoblast or non-trophoblast malignancy in a sample.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a sample for one or more analytes of interest includes: providing an element having a base layer; a layer containing streptavidin; a spreading layer, wherein the streptavidin may or may not be in the spreading layer; providing immunocomponents and labeled immunoreactants which may be in the spreading layer or may be combined with the sample; dispensing the sample, and optionally the immunocomponents and a labeled immunoreactant onto the spreading layer at three or more areas, wherein each center of the three or more areas is substantially equidistance to the center formed by the three or more areas, and wherein each area contacts an adjacent area such that wash fluid flow in any direction will contact sample; washing the sample and label by directing the wash fluid at the center formed by the three or more areas, whereby the wash fluid equally flows over each of the three or more areas; and taking a measurement at each three or more areas to determine the presence or concentration of the

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetic fine particles having immobilized thereto a polymer having an upper critical solution temperature, and a process for producing the same, a method of separating or concentrating a microorganism, a method of purifying, detecting, or concentrating a nucleic acid, a separating agent, a method of separating a biological substance, and a method of converting a substance.

Abstract: Control beads are disclosed that allow for improved quantitation of analytes in multiplexed bead assays. The control beads have a range of concentrations of calibration moieties that provide for the preparation of a titration curve. The titration curve can be used to quantify the concentration of the analytes. The titration curve can be used to correlate the signal obtained from a bead with the concentration (or absolute number of molecules) of the analyte bound to the bead.

Abstract: A support for immobilizing target molecules comprises a substrate having a plurality of binding regions for binding select target molecules, with target-molecule-capturing agent immobilized at the binding regions. The binding regions are intersperse among other non-binding regions. The binding regions are of sub-micron size, have high selectivity and high binding capacity, and prevent or at least minimize loss of target molecule activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to assay methods for the determination of cobalamin or vitamin B12 in a body fluid and in particular to assay methods for the metabolically active pool of cobalamin, comprising contacting a cell free sample of a body fluid with an immobilised or immobilizable specific binding ligand for TC II or holo TC II, separating a ligand bound fraction from a non-ligand bound fraction and measuring the holo-TC II or TC-II bound cobalamin content therein.

Abstract: The invention concerns a peptide having the biological activity of an inhibitor of amyloid formation and its diagnostic and medical use.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of Reelin as a marker for diagnosing psychiatric conditions. The disclosed tools and techniques can facilitate the diagnosis of psychiatric disorders including major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and autism.

Abstract: Disclosed are silica-coated nanoparticles and a process for producing silica-coated nanoparticles. Silica-coated nanoparticles are prepared by precipitating nano-sized cores from reagents dissolved in the aqueous compartment of a water-in-oil microemulsion. A reactive silicate is added to coat the cores with silica. Also disclosed are methods for functionalizing silica-coated nanoparticles for use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A composition comprising colloidal Fe3O4 particles coated with streptavidin is disclosed. These particles can be used in a method for separating biotinylated compounds from a solution in which the biotinylated compounds bind to the streptavidin-coated particles which are attracted to a surface by a magnet. Also disclosed is a method for making said streptavidin-coated composition, said method comprising the steps of forming colloidal Fe3O4 particles by mixing aqueous FeCl2 with aqueous FeCl3, adding aliquots of the mixture to an alkaline solution and adding streptavidin.

Abstract: The invention provides non-affinity based isotope tagged peptides, chemistries for making these peptides, and methods for using these peptides. In one aspect, tags comprise a reactive site (RS) for reacting with a molecule on a protein to form a stable association with the peptide (e.g., a covalent bond) and an anchoring site (AS) group for reversibly or removably anchoring the tag to a solid phase such as a resin support. Anchoring may be direct or indirect (e.g., through a linker molecule). Preferably, the anchoring site comprises a biotin compound. Preferably, the tag comprises a mass-altering label, such as a stable isotope, such that association of the tag with the peptide can be monitored by mass spectrometry. The reagents can be used for rapid and quantitative analysis of proteins or protein function in mixtures of proteins.

Abstract: A highly sensitive assay is disclosed which combines immunomagnetic enrichment with multiparameter flow cytometric and immunocytochemical analysis to detect, enumerate and characterize carcinoma cells in the blood. The assay can detect one epithelial cell or less in 1 ml of blood and has a greater sensitivity than conventional PCR or immunohistochemistry by 1-2 orders of magnitude. In addition, the assay facilitates the biological characterization and staging of carcinoma cells.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising one or more piezoelectric mass sensors for use in diagnostic and analytic processes, in particular for immunochemical detection of diagnostically relevant analytes in real time, is described. Each piezoelectric mass sensor comprises a piezoelectric crystal with a receptor surface which has immobilized thereon a lawn of recombinant antibodies comprising single VH chain or single-chain Fv (scFv) polypeptides specific for a particular antigen. Binding of antigen to the recombinant antibodies results in a change in mass on the receptor surface which is detected as a change in resonant frequency. In a preferred embodiment, the receptor layer is a precious metal such as gold which facilitates self-assembly of the recombinant antibodies into a lawn on the receptor surface via a cysteine residue at the carboxy terminus of the attachment polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptides that specifically bind to BACE at a newly discovered exosite. The invention also provides methods for identifying peptides that bind to a BACE exosite. The invention further provides methods for identifying compounds that bind to a BACE exosite and modulate BACE activity. In another aspect, the invention provides methods for treating or preventing neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease by administering compounds that bind to a BACE exosite and modulate BACE activity.

Abstract: An immunoassay device and assay to detect an antigen, such as PSA, in a biological sample. The device comprises a solid support having multiple reaction zones containing capture antibodies directed to the antigen. Exposure of a test sample to a mixture of incubation antibodies with known and different concentrations prior to exposure to the capture antibodies in the reaction zones facilitates determination of a range of concentrations of the antigen.

Abstract: A competitive immunoassay, dye and method for rapidly detecting the presence of one or more target ligands within a fluid sample suspected of containing such ligand or ligands. The immunoassay comprises a protein-binding membrane, a first absorbent pad, a second absorbent pad, and a third absorbent pad. The protein-binding membrane has at least two regions of antibodies bound thereto for detecting dissimilar ligands. The second absorbent pad has formed therein a colloidal gold tracer having one, and preferably two or more ligand analog protein complexes adhering thereto. To utilize the system, the immunoassay strip is placed within a fluid sample. To the extent the target ligand is absent, a visual indicator will be provided signaling such absence. To the extent the target ligand is present at or above a threshold level, no such visual signal will be produced.

Abstract: A method for purifying cancer-specific Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (csPCNA) is described, as well as an immunoassay based thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of predicting pregnancy outcome in a subject by determining the amount of an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of hCG in a sample. The present invention further provides a method for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated molecular isoforms of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a sample. The present invention also provides a diagnostic kit for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated hCG in a sample. The present invention additionally provides an antibody which specifically binds to an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of human chorionic gonadotropin. Finally, the present invention provides methods for detecting trophoblast or non-trophoblast malignancy in a sample.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and compositions for identifying malignant tumors that overexpress the c-erbB-2 oncogene. Assays useful for diagnosis and prognosis of neoplastic disease are provided which detect the external domain of c-erbB-2, the glycoprotein gp75 and quantitate the level of gp75 in the biological fluids of mammals carrying a tumor burden. Further disclosed are recombinant, synthetically and otherwise biologically produced novel proteins and polypeptides which are encoded by the external domain DNA sequence of the c-erbB-2 oncogene (the gp75 gene) or fragments thereof. Such gp75 proteins and polypeptides are useful as vaccines, therapeutically in the treatment of cancer either alone or in combination with chemotherapeutic agents. Also disclosed are antibodies to such gp75 proteins and polypeptides which are useful diagnostically and therapeutically. Still further disclosed are test kits embodying the assays of this invention.

Abstract: The invention provides an assay method for the determination of transcobalamin II (TC II) bound cobalamin in a body sample, comprising contacting a cell free sample of a body fluid with an immobilised or immobilizable specific binding ligand for TC II or cobalamin bound TC II (holo TC II), separating a ligand bound fraction from a non-ligand bound fraction and measuring the holo-TC II or TC-II bound cobalamin content therein.

Abstract: This invention provides a method to determine alkylguanyltransferase activity in a sample, comprising steps of placing the sample in an appropriate condition so that the AGT is functional; contacting the sample with an AGT Detector under conditions permitting the binding of AGT and AGTD to produce a signal; and measuring the signal, thereby determining the AGT activity in said sample. This invention provides different uses of this method.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting, analyzing, and identifying biomolecules. More particularly, the invention provides Element Coded Affinity Tags comprising a metal chelate and a metal ion and methods of using the tags to detect, analyze, and identify biomolecules including polypeptides, nucleic acids, lipids, and polysaccharides.

Abstract: The invention provides a heterogeneous immunoassay for detection of antibodies and antigens based on specific antigen-antibody immune complex formation with multiple antigen-bearing conjugate components. The invention further provides means for optimizing the assay format for the detection of both low and high-affinity antibodies, and provides means for quantitative detection of both antibody and the corresponding antigen present in a sample. In preferred embodiments, the invention can be practiced to detect presence in biological fluid samples of antibodies to Bacillus anthracis related antigens.

Abstract: A method for detecting a cytokine in a biological fluid sample with a high sensitivity is provided. A time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay (TR-FIA) method including a step of forming on a solid phase a composite in which a cytokine is captured and which includes a fluorescent structural portion which has been complexed with a lanthanoid metal ion, and measuring fluorescence of the fluorescent structural portion. The composite is formed of a structure in which (a) a first antibody including a portion bound to a solid phase and a region bindable to a cytokine; (b) the cytokine; (c) a second antibody including a region bindable to the cytokine and a portion to which biotin is bound; (d) a conjugate including streptoavidin or avidin and a fluorescent structural portion capable of being complexed with a lanthanoid metal ion; and (e) the lanthanoid metal ion are bound. The fluorescent structural portion is represented by General Formula (I): R—Ar—C(?O)—CH2—C(?O)—CnF2n—X.

Abstract: Colloidal metal particles having a coating comprising non cross-linked, SH-activated dextran or aminodextran. Biomolecules may be linked directly or indirectly to the particles, which are useful as detection reagents in immunological assays.

Abstract: A test kit for intracellular introduction of a protein and/or peptide and a method of such intracellular introduction, make it possible for a protein and/or peptide to be introduced into cells efficiently and in an expedient manner while preventing the function of the introduction target protein and/or peptide from being reduced. The above test kit comprises a container containing a cationic group-containing polymer and a container containing a reagent for coupling or binding the cationic group-containing polymer to the protein and/or peptide, or comprises a container containing a cationized conjugate to be coupled to the protein and/or peptide. The above method comprises using a conjugate generated by coupling or binding a cationic group-containing polymer to a protein and/or peptide as a carrier for the introduction target protein and/or peptide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new genes encoding for the production of novel proteins involved in generation of reactive oxygen intermediates that affect cell division. The present invention also provides vectors containing these genes, cells transfected with these vectors, antibodies raised against these novel proteins, kits for detection, localization and measurement of these genes and proteins, and methods to determine the activity of drugs to affect the activity of the proteins of the present invention.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating and testing molecules includes a surface to which the molecule is anchored at multiple points at one end, a paramagnetic bead on which said molecule is anchored at multiple points at its other end, and a magnetic means for applying a force to the bead, said magnetic means being used to control the stretching and rotation of said bead and said molecule. The apparatus also includes an optical magnification means and a camera for the visualization of said bead. The apparatus further includes a computer means to which images from the camera are transmitted. The computer means includes means for analyzing the motions of the bead. The apparatus also includes a rotating means for spinning the magnetic means about an optical axis of the magnification means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to identification of polypeptides useful for generating antibodies specific for non-human IgE, particularly equine IgE. The invention, therefore, also relates to antibodies that specifically bind to IgE and methods to detect IgE using the antibodies. The invention also provides a kit for detection of IgE.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a photoprotein which binds with a ligand specific for a substance to be detected at a binding ratio of 1:1 such that the luminescence activity is not reduced by binding with the ligand, a conjugate comprising the luminescent photoprotein and ligand, and a substance detection method which employs the conjugate as a marker. A calcium-binding photoprotein is produced having cysteine residue introduced within the 4th amino acid residue from the amino-terminus. A conjugate is formed by binding a ligand specific for a substance to be detected to the calcium-binding photoprotein, in a binding ratio of 1:1, via the introduced cysteine residue. The conjugate may be utilized as a marker for a substance to be detected.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the detection of an analyte in a sample using analyte-specific conjugates which have at least one heterologous group for an analyte-independent binding to a control zone. The present invention additionally provides new conjugates and reagent kits.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the detection of an analyte in a sample using analyte-specific conjugates which have at least one heterologous group for an analyte-independent binding to a control zone. The present invention additionally provides new conjugates and reagent kits.

Abstract: A probe, kit comprising the probe, and methods for using the probe are provided where the probe comprises: wherein DM is a detectable marker; and L is a straight or branched chain moiety providing between 1 and 20 atom separation between DM and the ring atom to which DM is attached.

Abstract: The use of polyalkylene oxide modified reagents is disclosed in a method for the detection of an analyte or in suitable reagent kits for such methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to quantitate the hLH? core fragment in a sample. The present invention now makes it possible to evaluate the metabolism of hLH in premenopausal, perimenopausal and postmenopausal women and to distinguish between normal and abnormal physiological states.

Abstract: A covalent conjugate of a 4?-hydroxyazobenzene-2-carboxylic acid derivative (HABA) and an avidin-type molecule, of the formula: wherein A is (CH2)n or —CH?CH—, wherein n is an integer from 0–10; B is (CH2)n wherein n is an integer from 2 to 10; m is zero or 1; and Av is the residue of an avidin-type molecule selected from the group comprising native egg-white avidin, recombinant avidin, deglycosylated avidins, bacterial streptavidin, recombinant streptavidin, truncated streptavidin and other derivatives of said avidin-type molecules. These HABAylated avidins are red colored in the quinone configuration and can be used in many applications in the avidin-biotin technology.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods for detecting, analyzing, and identifying biomolecules. More particularly, the invention provides Element Coded Affinity Tags comprising a metal chelate and a metal ion and methods of using the tags to detect, analyze, and identify biomolecules including polypeptides, nucleic acids, lipids, and polysaccharides.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of specific ligand carriers for detecting prions, and to substances that are capable of binding to prions and that are subsequently used to detect prions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor surface comprising: a substrate coated with a free electron metal; and a matrix layer disposed on the free electron metal, wherein the matrix layer comprises an organic compound having a boronic acid complexing moiety. The matrix is preferably a self-assembled monolayer (SAM), a mixed self-assembled monolayer (mSAM), or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-covalent coupling method for the preparation of sterically stabilized lipsomes which may be used for targeted drug delivery, e.g., pegylated liposomes. The method simplifies the attachment of targeting vectors to sterically stabilized liposomes. The present invention also provides a liposome composition comprising a compound of the formula and a compound of the formula Z-Y, wherein Z is any compound capable of binding to a cellular receptor, and X and Y are compounds which can interact with each other non-convalently, and wherein the substituents n, F1 and F2 are as provided in the specification.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the determination of substances using the evanescence field method. A cuvette, a microtiter well, a solution and a kit for application in a method according to the invention are disclosed. This method can in particular be used in the field of diagnostics and in analytical procedures.

Abstract: Provided are a method for easily detecting phosphorylated peptides, namely, proteins, in samples derived from living organisms or the like, a method for selectively adsorbing the phosphorylated peptides, and compounds that are highly coordinated to the phosphorylated peptides and usable in the methods. The complex compound is represented by the formula: wherein X is a linker moiety, and Y is a labeling group. The compound (I) is highly coordinated to a phosphorylated peptide, and has a labeling group. Accordingly, with use of the compound (I), the phosphorylated peptide can be easily identified.