Abstract: The present invention provides a lyophilized reagent for PCR which is prepared by adding a stabilizing and sedimenting agent to an aqueous reaction mixture and lyophilizing thereof. The lyophilized PCR reagent of the present invention leads to a simplification of multi-step PCR manipulation, an increase of heat stability of the reaction mixture, prevention of carry-over contamination, and improved credibility of experiments. The lyophilized PCR reagent can be applied as a kit for analysis of DNA sequence or for diagnosis of diseases, which guarantee the results of high credibility in a short period of time.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a polynucleotide of interest, comprising providing one or more sets of consecutive oligonucleotide primers differing within each set by one base at the growing end therof; annealing a single strand of the polynucleotide or a fragment of the polynucleotide to the oligonucleotide primers under hybridization conditions; subjecting the primers to single base extension reactions with a polymerase and terminating nucleotides, the terminating nucleotides being mutually distinguishable; and observing the location and identity of each terminating nucleotide to thereby analyze the sequence or a part of the nucleotide sequence of the polynucleotide of interest, is disclosed. An apparatus comprising a solid support to which is attached at defined locations thereon one or more sets of consecutive oligonucleotide primers differing within each set by one base at the growing end thereof is also described.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for recombining and, optionally, cloning nucleic acids without the use of restriction enzymes or DNA ligase. The method involves recombining an insert and a recipient nucleic acid using custom designed complementary regions to anneal strands from the nucleic acids. The complementary regions on double stranded nucleic acids are exposed by limited digestion of the ends of the nucleic acids. After annealing the digested ends, single stranded gaps on the hybridized nucleic acid are closed to yield a double stranded nucleic acid which may, optionally, be cloned into a microorganism. The invention also includes kits for recombining and, optionally, cloning nucleic acids using the methods of the invention. The invention further includes recombinant nucleic acids prepared using the methods of the invention.

Abstract: A general method for screening genomic or cDNA, or fragments and mixtures thereof, involves sample simplification by the generation of subsets and then subjecting the subsets to a modified mismatch scanning procedure that eliminates DNA having single stranded breaks after a MutSLH cleavage. The methods are particularly useful in human population isolates, including identification of identical-by-descent sequences, genomic comparisons of two or more individuals, and genomic comparisons of two populations of individuals, for the identification of sequences of low polymorphism.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for the determination of the genomic instability at 5 selected microsatellite loci. The analysis of these selected loci is suitable for making prognostic tumour diagnoses, for analysing hereditary tumor predisposition as well as for early tumor detection. This method is of particular importance for the diagnosis of tumors of the gastrointestinal tract such as colorectal tumors.

Abstract: Modified oligonucleotides which possess at least one substituted 7-deazapurine base form more stable hybridization complexes with nucleic acids than unsubstituted analogs. They are useful as inhibitors of gene expression, as probes for detecting nucleic acids, as aids in molecular biology and as pharmaceuticals or diagnostic agents. Processes for preparing them are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified methods and apparatus for the preparation of arrays of material wherein each array includes a preselected collection of polymers, small molecules or inorganic materials associated with a surface of a substrate. The methods of the invention provide for modifications to general apparatus, flow cell geometries and solutions used in array fabrication.

Abstract: Jervell and Lange-Nielsen syndrome (JLN) is an autosomal recessive form of long QT syndrome. In addition to QT interval prolongation, this disorder is associated with congenital deafness. JLN is rare, but affected individuals are susceptible to cardiac arrhythmias with a high incidence of sudden death and short life expectancy. A homozygous mutation in KVLQT1, the potassium channel gene responsible for chromosome 11-linked long QT syndrome, is shown to be a cause of JLN.

Abstract: The present inventors have discovered that humans have a gene that encodes a novel protein of the thymosin .beta. family. This novel protein, herein referred to as thymosin .beta.15, has the ability to bind and sequester G-actin, like other members of the thymosin .beta. family, but unlike what is known about other members also directly regulates cell motility in prostatic carcinoma cells. A cDNA of the human thymosin .beta.15 gene (SEQ ID NO: 1) and having the deduced the amino acid sequence (SEQ ID NO: 2) was isolated. The present inventors have shown that enhanced transcripts (mRNA) and expression of the thymosin .beta.15 gene in non-testicular cells has a high correlation to disease state in a number of cancers, such as prostate, lung, melanoma and breast cancer, particularly metastatic cancers. Accordingly, discovering enhanced levels of transcript or gene product in non-testicular tissues can be used in not only a diagnostic manner, but a prognostic manner for particular cancers.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to methods for the diagnosis and therapeutic treatment of Friedreich Ataxia. Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) is an autosomal recessive, degenerative disease that involves the central and peripheral nervous system and the heart. A gene, X25, was identified in the critical region for the FRDA locus on chromosome 9q13. The gene encodes a 210 amino acid protein, frataxin, that has homologues in distant species such as C. elegans and yeast. A few FRDA patients have been found to have point mutations in X25, but the vast majority are homozygous for a variable, unstable GAA trinucleotide expansion in the first X25 intron. Mature X25 mRNA was severely reduced in abundance in individuals with FRDA. Carriers and individuals at risk for developing FRDA can be ascertained by the methods of the present invention. Further, the methods of the present invention provide treatment to those individuals having FRDA.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting nucleotide variation within a first nucleic acid, comprising generating a set of single-stranded extension products from a first nucleic acid in the presence of modified nucleotide bases, wherein the extension products incorporate modified nucleotides and thereby limit exonuclease activity to the 3'-terminal nucleotide base, and wherein the extension products have variable lengths, hybridizing the variable length extension products to a reference nucleic acid, contacting the hybridizing nucleic acids with an enzyme which can remove and replace the 3'-terminal nucleotide of the extension products in the presence of selected labeled nucleotides, wherein extension products that terminate with a 3'-nucleotide that does not hybridize with the corresponding position on the reference nucleic acid are replaced with one or more nucleotides that hybridize with the corresponding nucleotides on the reference nucleic acid and wherein those extension products that had a

Abstract: Cyanine dyes are used as the donor fluorophore in energy transfer labels in which light energy is absorbed by a donor fluorophore and transferred to an acceptor fluorophore which responds to the transfer by emitting fluorescent light for detection. The cyanine dyes impart an unusually high sensitivity to the labels thereby improving their usefulness in a wide variety of biochemical procedures, particularly nucleic acid sequencing, nucleic acid fragment sizing, and related procedures.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for providing oligonucleotides or oligonucleotide analogs having known subunit sequences in which the desired oligomers are released from selected storage sites in one, two, or three dimensions, on a substrate by locally denaturing double-stranded complexes at the storage sites containing the desired oligomers. The released oligomers are useful in schemes for determining solutions to mathematical problems, in methods wherein hybridizing oligomers are used to encrypt and transmit data, in diagnostic and screening assay methodologies, and as primers or building blocks for synthesizing larger polynucleotides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an osmolyte for reducing or abolishing non-covalent interactions of biological molecules to inert surfaces. Furthermore, the present invention relates to kits that may be employed for uses in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide molecules and methods are disclosed for the detection of viable oocysts or other cells of the protozoa species, Cyrptosporidium parvum. Preferred oligonucleotide molecules are selected from the group comprising oligonucleotides having one or more of the following sequences: (a) ACA ATT ATT, (b) CTT TTT GGT, (c) ATT TTA TAT AAA ATA TTT TGA TGA A, (d) TTT TTT TTT TTA GTA T, (e) TAT ATT TTT TAT CTG, (f) CTT TAC TTA CAT GGA TAA CCG, or comprising a part of the sequences (a) to (f) above so as to allow specific hybridization to unique 18S rRNA sequences of C. parvum.

Abstract: Reagents for the immobilization of biopolymers, processes for their preparation and their subsequent use in the immobilization of biopolymers for analytical and diagnostic procedures are described. One type of reagent includes a solid support fabricated of a polymeric material having at least one surface with pendant acyl fluoride functionalities. Another reagent includes solid supports fabricated of polymeric materials including ethylene acrylic acid or ethylene methacrylic acid copolymers and activated polypropylene. Processes for preparing reagents include derivatizing polymeric materials to form acyl fluoride functionalities or derivatizing ethylene acrylic acid copolymers and ethylene methacrylic acid copolymers to form active acyl functionalities.

Abstract: The invention relates to the fabrication and use of biosensors comprising a plurality of optical fibers each fiber having attached to its "sensor end" biological "binding partners" (molecules that specifically bind other molecules to form a binding complex such as antibody-antigen, lectin-carbohydrate, nucleic acid-nucleic acid, biotin-avidin, etc.). The biosensor preferably bears two or more different species of biological binding partner. The sensor is fabricated by providing a plurality of groups of optical fibers. Each group is treated as a batch to attach a different species of biological binding partner to the sensor ends of the fibers comprising that bundle. Each fiber, or group of fibers within a bundle, may be uniquely identified so that the fibers, or group of fibers, when later combined in an array of different fibers, can be discretely addressed. Fibers or groups of fibers are then selected and discretely separated from different bundles.

Abstract: We sequenced a 625 and 617 bp fragment of the inner spacer region of 16S-23S rDNA of a strain of Acidovorax avenae representing pathogens from several hosts, including foxtail, oats, corn, rice, millet, sugarcane, orchid, and watermelon and a strain of A. avenae subsp. citrulli pathogenic only to watermelon, respectively, for the purpose of designing PCR primers for their identification. These plant pathogens were previously considered as non-fluorescent pseudomonads and have been recently reclassified as Acidovorax avenae subsp. avenae, A. avenae subsp. cattleyae, and A. avenae subsp. citrulli. Several sets of primers were designed. Primers identified by SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:2 of subsp. avenae reacted with all strains of A. avenae subsp. avenae (previously named P. avenae or P. alboprecipitans) originating from foxtail, oats, corn, rice, sugarcane, and millet, A. avenae subsp. cattleyae from orchid, and A. avenae subsp. citrulli (previously named P. pseudoalcaligenes subsp. citrulli) from watermelon.

Abstract: Engineered mRNA useful in producing libraries of engineered mRNAs, polypeptide-engineered mRNA conjugates and diverse encoded polypeptide libraries, as well as novel ribozymes that join an mRNA to the translation product of the mRNA and methods of identifying members of diverse encoded polypeptide libraries which exhibit a desired activity. Also described are polypeptide-nucleic acid tag conjugates, methods of producing the conjugates and uses therefor.

Abstract: A general stochastic method for synthesizing random oligomers on particles is disclosed. A further aspect of the invention relates to the use of identification tags on the particles to facilitate identification of the sequence of the monomers in the oligomer.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to nucleic acid fragments specific to Xanthomonas campestris pathogenic to plants belonging to the family Gramineae, as well as methods for detecting the pathogenic Xanthomonas campestris using the same. The nucleic acid fragment of the invention has a nucleotide sequence which is at least 15 consecutive nucleotides of the nucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1 or in the complementary chain thereof, or has no less than 15 nucleotides and hybridizes with the nucleic acid having the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:1 or with the complementary chain thereof under stringent conditions.

Abstract: Chain reaction cloning methods and reagents and kits for performing such methods are provided. Chain reaction cloning allows ligation of double-stranded DNA molecules by DNA ligases and bridging oligonucleotides. Double-stranded nucleic acid molecules are denatured into single-stranded molecules. The ends of the molecules are brought together by hybridization to a template. The template ensures that the two single-stranded nucleic acid molecules are aligned correctly. DNA ligase joins the two nucleic acid molecules into a single, larger, composite nucleic acid molecule. The nucleic acid molecules are subsequently denatured so that the composite molecule formed by the ligated nucleic acid molecules and the template cease to hybridize to each. Each composite molecule then serves as a template for orienting unligated, single-stranded nucleic acid molecules. After several cycles, composite nucleic acid molecules are generated from smaller nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of diagnostics. More particularly, it concerns the use of methylation-specific PCR in order to identify those males having Fragile X syndrome. The present invention provides a method in which amplification specific for the methylated FMR1 sequence is observed in all individuals with a full mutation, while all normal and premutation individuals show only amplification specific for the unmethylated sequence, thus allowing affected and unaffected males to be distinguished. A full mutation in the presence of mosaicism also may detectable by this method. Thus, methylation-specific PCR is demonstrated as a rapid and reliable tool for the diagnosis of fragile X.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and a method for amplification of and multiplex detection of molecules of interest involving rolling circle replication. The method is useful for simultaneously detecting multiple specific nucleic acids in a sample with high specificity and sensitivity. The method also has an inherently low level of background signal. A preferred form of the method consists of an association operation, an amplification operation, and a detection operation. The association operation involves association of one or more specially designed probe molecules, either wholly or partly nucleic acid, to target molecules of interest. This operation associates the probe molecules to a target molecules present in a sample. The amplification operation is rolling circle replication of circular nucleic acid molecules, termed amplification target circles, that are either a part of, or hybridized to, the probe molecules.

Abstract: A novel sequence of the pig myogenin gene and methods of using the myogenin gene and its products. Also disclosed are methods for detecting different alleles of the pig myogenin gene, which different alleles are associated with differences in the genotypic and/or phenotypic traits of the pigs having those alleles. Methods for distinguishing between alleles resulting in different phenotypes, particularly using techniques involving selective amplification of pig myogenin gene derived materials are also disclosed. These techniques are especially suitable for selecting animals to be used in breeding programs. Breeding programs employing such techniques are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods of the invention comprise assays for markers indicative of cancer or precancer. Assays of the invention are performed on samples obtained from a patient by non-invasive or minimally-invasive methods. The invention provides nucleic acid indicia of cancer or precancer with high sensitivities and high specificities for detection.

Abstract: A method for fractionating and sequencing DNA via affinity interaction is provided comprising contacting cleaved DNA to a first array of oligonucleotide molecules to facilitate hybridization between said cleaved DNA and the molecules; extracting the hybridized DNA from the molecules; contacting said extracted hybridized DNA with a second array of oligonucleotide molecules, wherein the oligonucleotide molecules in the second array have specified base sequences that are complementary to said extracted hybridized DNA; and attaching labeled DNA to the second array of oligonucleotide molecules, wherein the labeled re-hybridized DNA have sequences that are complementary to the oligomers.

Abstract: Disclose is a method for making full-length cDNA libraries, which is for making libraries of cDNAs having lengths corresponding to full lengths of mRNAs and comprises the following steps of; forming RNA-DNA hybrids by reverse transcription starting from primers using mRNAs as templates, chemically binding a tag molecule to a diol structure present in the 5' Cap (.sup.7Me G.sub.ppp N) site of a mRNA which is forming a RNA-DNA hybrid, and separating RNA-DNA hybrids carrying a DNA corresponding to a full-length mRNA from the RNA-DNA hybrids formed above by using a function of the tag molecule. The present method is a method for preparing full-length cDNA libraries utilizing a method for labeling the 5' Cap site more efficiently than protein enzyme reactions, which is avoidable a decrease of a full-length cDNA synthesis efficiency caused by cleavage of mRNA, and can synthesize a full-length cDNA more efficiently.

Abstract: This application provides methods of detecting and quantitatively determining a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, which comprise contacting the sample with a primer and a zymogene which encodes, but which itself is the anti-sense sequence of, a catalytic nucleic acid sequence, so that when the target is present, a single amplified nucleic acid molecule is produced which comprises the sequences of both the target and catalytic molecules. This invention further provides a method of simultaneously detecting the presence of a plurality of target nucleic acid sequences in a sample. Finally, this invention provides molecules and kits for practicing the instant methods.

Abstract: DNA clones encoding a receptor in the Ig superfamily and a related soluble variant have been isolated from a human monocyte library. The invention provides receptor polypeptides, nucleic acids encoding them, expression vectors, and transformed cells for recombinant production of the polypeptides.

Abstract: The invention relates to assays for determining breast cancer or melanoma. It has been found that the accuracy of such assays can be improved by assaying samples for three or more known tumor rejection antigen precursors. For breast cancer, the tumor rejection antigen precursors known as SCP-1, NY-ESO-1, and SSX-2 are assayed. For melanoma, SSX-2, NY-ESO-1, and MAGE-3 are assayed. Additional known tumor rejection antigen precursors can also be determined to confirm the assays. It is preferred to carry these out via polymerase chain reactions.

Abstract: A process of amplifying a nucleic acid sequence by a procedure involving a polymerase chain reaction or a ligase chain reaction. The process involves repeated cycles of steps including a nucleic acid denaturing step and a nucleic acid synthesis step, the synthesis step being carried out under the action of an enzyme (a nucleic acid polymerase or ligase). The denaturing step and the synthesis step are carried out in different denaturing and synthesis reaction zones, respectively, and, during the repeated cycles, the enzyme is maintained in isolation from the denaturing reaction zone, and conditions or reagents required for the denaturing step are maintained in isolation from the synthesis reaction zone to the extent that the reagents and conditions required for denaturing do not impede the synthesis reaction to a substantial extent. The use of separate zones for the steps of the reactions means that an enzyme that is destroyed or degraded by the reagents and conditions required for denaturing (e.g.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mutation detection kit and method of analyzing multiple loci of one or more nucleic acid sequences for the presence of mutations or polymorphisms. More particularly, the present invention relates to the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and fluorescently labeled oligonucleotide hybridization probes to identify mutations and polymorphisms based on melting curve analysis of the hybridization probes.

Abstract: FCA genes of Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica napus are provided, enabling flowering characteristics, particularly timing of flowering, to be influenced in transgenic plants. Timing of flowering may be delayed or hastened using sense and antisense expression, also various mutants and alleles, including alternatively spliced forms.

Abstract: This invention provides methods by which biologically derived DNA sequences in a mixed sample or in an arrayed single sequence clone can be determined and classified without sequencing. The methods make use of information on the presence of carefully chosen target subsequences, typically of length from 4 to 8 base pairs, and preferably the length between target subsequences in a sample DNA sequence together with DNA sequence databases containing lists of sequences likely to be present in the sample to determine a sample sequence. The preferred method uses restriction endonucleases to recognize target subsequences and cut the sample sequence. Then carefully chosen recognition moieties are ligated to the cut fragments, the fragments amplified, and the experimental observation made. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is the preferred method of amplification.

Abstract: The present invention is directed generally to methods facilitating the cloning of nucleic acid molecules. In particular, the invention relates to the use of polymerase inhibitors, including but not limited to anti-polymerase antibodies (such as anti-Taq antibodies) and fragments thereof, to inactivate residual polymerase activity remaining after the amplification (particularly via PCR) of a target nucleic acid molecule. The invention further provides compositions, particularly storage-stable compositions, comprising one or more components, such as one or more restriction endonucleases and one or more polymerase inhibitors, that are useful in cloning amplified or synthesized nucleic acid molecules by the above-described methods. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules produced by these methods, and to genetic constructs (such as vectors) and host cells comprising these nucleic acid molecules.

Abstract: Methods are described for the identification and preparation of high-affinity Nucleic Acid Ligands to Complement System Proteins. Methods are described for the identification and preparation of high affinity Nucleic Acid Ligands to Complement System Proteins C1q, C3 and C5. Included in the invention arc specific RNA ligands to C1q, C3 and C5 identified by the SELEX method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for detecting a predisposition or susceptibility to prostate cancer in an individual using microsatellite markers. These markers are located on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 5, 11 and 13.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for the early prediction of a propensity to develop chronic obstructive airway disorders such as asthma. The present invention also provides kits for the early determination of the propensity to develop such a disorder. The method consists of detecting the presence of one or more alleles of an IL-1B haplotype, specifically the IL-1b (+3954) and the IL-1B (-511) loci. The presence of allele 2 at the IL-1b (+3954) locus indicates increased risk for a chronic obstructive airway disorder. The presence of allele 2 at the IL-1B (-511) locus indicates susceptibility to more severe expression of chronic obstructive airway disorders.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting the presence of a retrovirus in a biological sample comprising the steps of: a) contacting the biological sample with an RNA template and a complementary DNA primer under conditions whereby the RNA template and the DNA primer will anneal and a DNA strand will be synthesized as an extension from the DNA primer if reverse transcriptase is present in the sample; b) amplifying the synthesized DNA; and c) detecting the amplification of the synthesized DNA, the amplification of the synthesized DNA indicating the presence of reverse transcriptase in the biological sample, thus indicating the presence of a retrovirus in the biological sample.

Abstract: A single molecule of single-stranded sample DNA (7) having a bead (5) at one end and a magnetic bead (6) at the other end is extended and fixed in the field of view of a fluorescent microscope by using a magnetic force (11) and a laser trap (3), and a primer (8) is bonded thereto, followed by elongation reaction (10) using polymerase. Only a single chemically modified nucleotide (9) labeled with at least one fluorophore which varies depending on the kind of the base is incorporated. Only the single fluorophore incorporated is measured as a fluorescence-microscopic image by evanescent irradiation (13) with exciting laser beams, and the kind of the base is determined from the kind of the fluorophore. The fluorophore labeling the nucleotide incorporated is released by evanescent irradiation (13) with ultraviolet laser beams (2), and the next nucleotide is incorporated. DNA sequencing is carried out by repeating the above procedure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for synthesizing polynucleotide molecules such as genes or gene segments. A primer having 5' and 3' ends is incubated with a relatively shorter template having a 5' region non-complementary to the primer, a 3' region complementary to the 3' end of the primer, and a non-reactive 3' terminus to allow the 3' region of the template to anneal to the primer. The annealed product is reacted with at least one nucleotide in the presence of a template-dependent polynucleotide polymerase to produce a primer extended at its 3' end by at least one nucleotide complementary to the 5' region of the template. The extended primer is then dissociated from the template. The extended primer is further extended by repeating this cycle for sufficient cycles, wherein the templates and enzymes may differ from cycle to cycle, to obtain the object polynucleotide. Also disclosed are template libraries and kits containing said libraries for use in conjunction with the polynucleotide synthesis method.

Abstract: Hybridization assay probes are described which are able to distinguish Mycobacterium avium complex organisms from related organisms.

Abstract: The invention describes a method of quantitatively detecting specific nucleotide sequences. Said method is essentially characterized in that a single-stranded nucleic acid, particularly mRNA, which has been isolated from a mixture, e.g. a biological sample, is hybridized in solution, with a polynucleotide sequence which is essentially complementary to the sequence to be determined; the nucleic acid is then immobilized on a solid phase, and the amount of bound hybrid is determined. It has proven to be particularly advantageous if the binding to the coated solid phase is accomplished with the aid of the specifically bindable chemical group which is coupled to the sequence to be determined or to the polynucleotide probe sequence via a linker.

Abstract: Automated sample analysis is performed by a computer-implemented apparatus and method for distinguishing objects of interest in an optical field from other objects and background in the optical field, collectively called background. Once an object has been identified, the color comprised of a combination of the red, green and blue components of the pixels occupied by the image of the object of interest, or another parameter of interest relative to that object can be measured and stored. This computer-implemented analysis apparatus and method is performed on objects of interest in the sample which are tagged using fluorescent tags. The sample may be a cell sample containing a nucleic acid target and the tagging achieved by fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of detecting the presence of a bipolar mood disorder susceptibility locus in an individual, comprising analyzing a sample of DNA for the presence of a DNA polymorphism on the long arm of chromosome 18 between markers D18S469 and D18S554, wherein the DNA polymorphism is associated with a form of bipolar mood disorder. The invention for the first time provides strong evidence of a susceptibility gene for bipolar mood disorder that is located in the 18q22-q23 region of the long arm of chromosome 18. The disclosure describes the use of linkage analysis and genetic markers in this 18q22-q23 region to fine map the region and the use of genetic markers to genetically diagnose (genotype) bipolar mood disorder in individuals, to confirm phenotypic diagnoses of bipolar mood disorder, to determine appropriate treatments for patients with particular genotypic subtypes.

Abstract: Continuous amplification reaction provide a method of amplifying a specific nucleic acid without the need to cycle a reaction. The method produces RNA transcripts which can be detected by a variety of methods. Amplification and detection kits are also provided.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing hyperhomocysteinemia by molecular genetic means is disclosed.

Abstract: A thermocycling apparatus comprising a plurality of capillaries for moving DNA-containing samples between two or more discrete zones maintained at selected elevated temperatures.

Abstract: The invention provides human regulatory molecules and polynucleotides (collectively designated HRM) which identify and encode them. The invention also provides expression vectors, host cells, agonists, antibodies and antagonists. The invention further provides methods for diagnosing, preventing, and treating disorders associated with expression of human regulatory molecules.