Abstract: A hybridization assay is provided which uses an oligonucleotide probe which includes a fluorescent reporter molecule and a quencher molecule capable of quenching the fluorescence of the reporter molecule. The oligonucleotide probe is constructed such that the probe exists in at least one single-stranded confirmation when unhybridized where the quencher molecule is near enough to the reporter molecule to quench the fluorescence of the reporter molecule. The oligonucleotide probe also exists in at least one conformation when hybridized to a target polynucleotide where the quencher molecule is not positioned close enough to the reporter molecule to quench the fluorescence of the reporter molecule. By adopting these hybridized and unhybridized conformations, the reporter molecule and quencher molecule on the probe exhibits different fluorescence signal intensities when the probe is hybridized and unhybridized.

Abstract: This invention provides for labeling reagents, labeled targets and processes for preparing labeling reagents. The labeling reagents can take the form of cyanine dyes, xanthene dyes, porphyrin dyes, coumarin dyes or composite dyes. These labeling reagents are useful for labeling probes or targets, including nucleic acids and proteins. These reagents can be usefully applied to protein and nucleic acid probe based assays. They are also applicable to real-time detection processes.

Abstract: Atropisomeric energy-transfer dye compounds are disclosed. A variety of molecular biology applications utilize atropisomeric xanthene fluorescent dyes as labels for substrates such as nucleotides, nucleosides, polynucleotides, polypeptides and carbohydrates. Methods include DNA sequencing, DNA fragment analysis, PCR, SNP analysis, oligonucleotide ligation, amplification, minisequencing, and primer extension.

Abstract: This invention provides for labeling reagents, labeled targets and processes for preparing labeling reagents. The labeling reagents can take the form of cyanine dyes, xanthene dyes, porphyrin dyes, coumarin dyes or composite dyes. These labeling reagents are useful for labeling probes or targets, including nucleic acids and proteins. These reagents can be usefully applied to protein and nucleic acid probe based assays. They are also applicable to real-time detection processes.

Abstract: Methods for the multiplexed detection of the binding of, or interaction between, one or more ligands and target antiligands are provided. Detection involves the release of identifying tags as a consequence of target recognition. The methods include the use of electrophoretic tag probes or e-tag probes, comprising a detection region and a mobility-defining region called the mobility modifier, both linked to a target-binding moiety. In practicing the methods, target antiligands are contacted with a set of e-tag probes and the contacted antiligands are treated with a selected cleaving agent resulting in a mixture of e-tag reporters and uncleaved and/or partially cleaved e-tag probes. The mixture is exposed to a capture agent effective to bind to uncleaved or partially cleaved e-tag probes, followed by electrophoretic separation. In a multiplexed assay, different released e-tag reporters may be separated and detected providing for target identification.

Abstract: The present invention is based on sequencing genomic DNA from human chromosome 6 and cDNAs to define the genomic structure of estrogen receptor beta genes and novel polymorphism in the estrogen receptor gene/protein. Such polymorphism can lead to a variety of disorders that are mediated/modulated by a variant estrogen receptor, such as a susceptibility to cancer, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disorder, etc. Based on this sequencing approach, the present invention provides genomic nucleotide sequences, cDNA sequences, amino acid sequences and sequence polymorphism in the ESR-beta genes, methods of detecting these sequences/polymorphism in a sample, methods of determining a risk of having or developing a disorder mediated by a variant estrogen receptor and methods of screening for compounds used to treat disorders mediated by a variant estrogen receptor.

Abstract: This invention provides methods for removing unincorporated dye-labeled molecules from a mixture that includes dye-labeled polynucleotides or other polymers and the unincorporated dye-labeled molecules. The methods involve adsorbing the unincorporated dye-labeled molecules into a plurality of particles that are made up of one or more porous hydrophobic materials that are encapsulated in a hydrophilic matrix.

Abstract: A class of asymmetric monobenzoxanthene compounds useful as fluorescent dyes are disclosed having the structure 1

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods for generating single-stranded DNA molecules of defined sequence and length. Specifically, a region of template containing target sequence is amplified by PCR or RCA, exogenous sequence is introduced by primers or probes used in amplification, double-stranded amplification products are converted to single-stranded amplification products, and single-stranded amplification products are trimmed to produce short single-stranded DNA molecules of defined sequence and length.

Abstract: Fluorescent glycosides containing aromatic hydrocarbon groups are useful in labelling and detection methods for a wide array of chemical and biological molecules. Assembly of multiple analogs to form “polyfluors” affords fluorescence properties that are different from the properties of the component analogs. This allows for the design and use of combinatorial libraries of molecules displaying widely varying fluorescence colors.

Abstract: Subjects of the inventions are methods for enzymatic DNA labeling. Nucleotides modified to carry functional or detectable groups are incorporated into newly synthesized DNA by DNA polymerases. DNA is synthesized from modified nuleoside triphosphates by DNA polymerases such that the newly synthesized DNA consists exclusively of modified nucleotides or contains modified nucleotides in high density.

Abstract: Alkyl-linked nucleotide compositions and nucleotide affinity media comprising an alkyl-linked nucleotide are provided. The linker is generally a hydrophobic linker that can be a 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or a longer carbon chain. Also included in the invention are methods for synthesis of an alkyl-linked nucleotide, nucleotide affinity media and methods of use thereof for affinity chromatography and screening methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemical compound comprising a light emitting moiety precursor and a precursor of a leaving group, bound to each other by an amide or by an ester bond and characterized in that the leaving group precursor upon oxidation is converted into the leaving group. The invention also relates to compounds additionally comprising a coupling group to the use of such compounds for labeling of biomolecules and more generally to the use of such compounds in chemiluminescence detection procedures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detection of Epstein Barr virus nucleic acid in a sample, comprising contacting said sample with a probe wherein the probe binds to a target region defined by SEQ. ID NO. 1 or its homologue, or a complementary strand thereof, which binding provides a detectable signal, and detecting said signal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses methods for synthesizing oligomeric compounds. The methods include a modified phosphoramidite protocol wherein the oxidation and capping steps are combined into a single step. The methods result in increased efficiency and are especially amenable to the large scale synthesis of oligomeric compounds.

Abstract: Compounds and methods are provided for a single-step covalent attachment of a label to a molecule comprising forming a covalently attachable labeling reagent for alkylating the molecule. Then, combining the covalently attachable labeling reagent with a mixture containing the molecule, under conditions wherein the labeling reagent has reactivity with the molecule thereby forming a covalent bond.

Abstract: Nucleic acid labeling compounds containing heterocyclic derivatives are disclosed. The heterocyclic derivative containing compounds are synthesized by condensing a heterocyclic derivative with a cyclic group (e.g. a ribofuranose derivative). The labeling compounds are suitable for enzymatic attachment to a nucleic acid, either terminally or internally, to provide a mechanism of nucleic acid detection.

Abstract: Radiation-activated catalysts (RACs), autocatalytic reactions, and protective groups are employed to achieve a. highly sensitive, high resolution, radiation directed combinatorial synthesis of pattern arrays of diverse polymers. When irradiated, RACs produce catalysts that can react with enhancers, such as those involved in autocatalytic reactions. The autocatalytic reactions produce at least one product that removes protecting groups from synthesis intermediates. This invention has a wide variety of applications and is particularly useful for the solid phase combinatorial synthesis of polymers.

Abstract: This invention provides for labeling reagents, labeled targets and processes for preparing labeling reagents. The labeling reagents can take the form of cyanine dyes, xanthene dyes, porphyrin dyes, coumarin dyes or composite dyes. These labeling reagents are useful for labeling probes or targets, including nucleic acids and proteins. These reagents can be usefully applied to protein and nucleic acid probe based assays. They are also applicable to real-time detection processes.

Abstract: Nucleosides and oligonucleosides functionalized to include carbamate functionality, and derivatives thereof. In certain embodiments, the compounds of the invention further include steroids, reporter molecules, reporter enzymes, lipophilic molecules, peptides or proteins attached to the nucleosides through the carbamate group.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the authentication of traditional ingredients in Chinese medical materials. Arbitrarily primed polymerase chain reaction techniques are employed to identify genomic regions that are polymorphic between ginseng species of the genus Panax and between snake species of the family Serpentiformes. The sequence of these polymorphic regions is used to design specific primers that will amplify a unique region from the species of interest. These sequence characterized amplified regions (SCAR) may be used to rapidly amplify a diagnostic nucleic acid from herbal and medicinal materials. The present invention therefore provides rapid and sensitive methods for identifying ingredients in traditional Chinese medicines, and distinguishing them from common adulterants or ersatz ingredients.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for identifying a nucleotide at a predetermined location on a target polynucleotide. The method involves single nucleotide extension reaction comprising an oligonucleotide primer comprising a first sequence and a second sequence or a tag. The method may further comprises a probe which hybridizes to the second sequence or an anti-tag molecule which interacts with the tag, where the hybridization or interaction causes a detectable signal transfer which is indicative of the identity of the nucleotide base at the predetermined location. The invention further provides compositions and kits for performing the subject method of the invention.

Abstract: Families of compositions are provided as labels, referred to as eTag reporters for attaching to polymeric compounds and assaying based on release of the eTag reporters from the polymeric compound and separation and detection. For oligonucleotides, the eTag reporters are synthesized at the end of the oligonucleotide by using phosphiste or phosphate chemistry, whereby mass-modifying regions, charge-modifying regions and detectable regions are added sequentially to produce the eTag labeled reporters. By using small building blocks and varying their combination large numbers of different eTag reporters can be readily produced attached to the oligonucleotide of interest for identification. Protocols are used that release the eTag reporter when the target sequence is present in the sample.

Abstract: Silylating reagents having a group other than a divalent oxygen separating two silyl groups provide regioselective protection of reactive groups under robust conditions, such as basic conditions used in alkylation, acylation and deoxygenation. In particular, silylating reagents having a group other than oxygen separating two silyl groups are useful for protecting two hydroxy groups of a ribonucleic or deoxyribonucleic acid. Alkylation of a 2′-hydroxy group of a ribonucleoside protected with the inventive silylating agents in the presence of an excess of a mild hindered base such as sodium HMDS may be carried out without protecting the exocyclic amine and oxo functionalities of nucleobases.

Abstract: Compounds having structure (1) wherein R1 is —H a protecting group, a linker or a binding partner; and R2 and R34 are as defined in the specification. The invention also provides intermediates and methods make the structure (1) compounds, as well as methods to use the compounds as labels in diagnostic assays and to enhance binding to complementary bases.

Abstract: This invention provides for labeling reagents, labeled targets and processes for preparing labeling reagents. The labeling reagents can take the form of cyanine dyes, xanthene dyes, porphyrin dyes, coumarin dyes or composite dyes. These labeling reagents are useful for labeling probes or targets, including nucleic acids and proteins. These reagents can be usefully applied to protein and nucleic acid probe based assays. They are also applicable to real-time detection processes.

Abstract: In situ hybridization and polypeptide-based methods for using cpn60 to detect and/or quantify microbial organisms within a biological or non-biological sample are provided, as are cpn60 probes and antibodies for use in methods of the invention, and kits containing such probes and antibodies.

Abstract: A composition for enhancing differential staining of RNA, DNA and granules in a sample comprising cells contains a first fluorescent dye that can bind specific binding sites and non-specific binding sites in the sample. This first dye emits fluorescence at a first wavelength. The composition contains at least an additional component, which is a second non-intercalating dye in the composition that competes with said first dye for binding to the nonspecific binding sites, or a permeabilizing agent to enhance permabilization of the dyes into the cells, or both. The molar ratio of the second dye and the first dye is at least about 20:1.

Abstract: A novel nucleotide derivative, in case of existing as a member of a single-stranded sequence, undergoing a change in the fluorescent signal intensity depending on the corresponding base type in the partner strand with which the single-stranded sequence is hybridized, and which is (1) a thymine/uracil derivative emitting light most intensely when a confronting base in the partner strand with which the single-stranded nucleotide sequence is hybridized is adenine; (2) a cytosine derivative emitting light most intensely when the confronting base is guanine; (3) an adenine derivative emitting light most intensely when the confronting base is cytosine; and, (4) a guanine derivative emitting light most intensely when the confronting base is cytosine or thymine/uracil.

Abstract: The present invention provides modified primers for use in the amplification of a nucleic acid sequence. Amplifications carried out using the modified primers result in less template-independent non-specific product (primer dimer) compared to amplifications carried out using unmodified primers.

Abstract: Provided is a preparative method for isolating RNA comprising an oligo- or polynucleotide from a sample, which method comprises: (a) treating the sample with a reactant capable of covalently modifying the 2′-OH position of the ribose rings of the RNA under conditions so that a proportion of the 2′-OH positions of the ribose rings bear a substituent; and (b) preparing isolated RNA therefrom by separating material containing the substituent from the sample on the basis of a property of the substituent.

Abstract: Oligonucleotide probes containing two labels are provided and are useful in hybridization assays. The probes can also contain a minor groove binding group.

Abstract: This invention provides for labeling reagents, labeled targets and processes for preparing labeling reagents. The labeling reagents can take the form of cyanine dyes, xanthene dyes, porphyrin dyes, coumarin dyes or composite dyes. These labeling reagents are useful for labeling probes or targets, including nucleic acids and proteins. These reagents can be usefully applied to protein and nucleic acid probe based assays. They are also applicable to real-time detection processes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for identifying miRNAs and their targets in vivo and in vitro applicable to situations in which one or both of the sequences of the miRNA and the target nucleic acid is unknown. Further, the method applies to situations in which the miRNA/target interaction is stable or unstable; unstable reactions can be stabilized by the addition of crosslinking agents. The present invention also provides methods of modulating the expression of a target gene in a cell by modulating the activity of an miRNA in the cell that targets the gene.

Abstract: Methods by which a predisposition to Premature Ovarian failure (POF) can be determined. In particular, methods are provided for detecting whether a female has a predisposition to POF with reference to an alteration (mutation) in the gene coding inhibin.

Abstract: The invention provides methods of distinguishing benign growths arising from congenital melanocytic nevi from malignant melanoma. The methods comprise detecting a change in chromosome number that is specifically associated with benign growths. These changes include a gain of chromosome 10, a gain of chromosome 11, and a loss of chromosome 7.

Abstract: A method for determining a threshold cycle number or time value in a nucleic acid amplification reaction comprising the steps of amplifying a nucleic acid sequence in a reaction mixture; at a plurality of different times during the amplification reaction, measuring at least one signal whose intensity is related to the quantity of the nucleic acid sequence in the reaction mixture; and storing signal values defining a growth curve for the nucleic acid sequence. A derivative of the growth curve is determined and the threshold cycle number or time value is calculated as a cycle number or time value corresponding to a characteristic (e.g., maximum, minimum, or zero-crossing) of the derivative.

Abstract: Nucleosides and oligonucleosides functionalized to include alkylamino functionality, and derivatives thereof. In certain embodiments, the compounds of the invention further include steriods, reporter molecules, reporter enzymes, lipophilic molecules, peptides or proteins attached to the nucleosided through the alkylamino group.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising oligonucleotides that have 3′ end groups (e.g. lipophilic moieties) that are useful in invasive cleavage reactions such as the INVADER assay. Specifically, the present invention provides compositions containing oligonucleotides with 3′ end groups configured for generating a detectable signal in invasive cleavages assays with a high signal-to-background ratio, as well as methods for generating such compositions.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention is a method of producing an oligonucleotide extended by a single nucleotide base. An oligonucleotide and an extension terminating nucleotide are mixed with an enzyme having terminal transferase activity. The reaction produces an oligonucleotide extended by a single base. The extended oligonucleotide may be used as a size standard for single base extension reactions. Another embodiment of the invention is a method of producing a mixture of oligonucleotides extended by different single bases. An oligonucleotide, a first extension terminating nucleotide, and a second extension terminating nucleotide are mixed with an enzyme having terminal transferase activity. The first and second extension terminating nucleotides comprise different nucleotide bases and are labeled with different labels. The identity of the different extension terminating nucleotides (and hence the extended oligonucleotides) may be ascertained by reference to the specific label incorporated.

Abstract: Probe sets for the multiplexed detection of the binding of, or interaction between, one or more ligands and target antiligands are provided. Detection involves the release of identifying tags as a consequence of target recognition. The probe sets include electrophoretic tag probes or e-tag probes, comprising a detection region and a mobility-defining region called the mobility modifier, both linked to a target-binding moiety. Target antiligands are contacted with a set of e-tag probes and the contacted antiligands are treated with a selected cleaving agent resulting in a mixture of e-tag reporters and uncleaved and/or partially cleaved e-tag probes. The mixture is exposed to a capture agent effective to bind to uncleaved or partially cleaved e-tag probes, followed by electrophoretic separation. In a multiplexed assay, different released e-tag reporters may be separated and detected providing for target identification.

Abstract: Compounds and methods are provided for a single-pot covalent attachment of a label to an siRNA comprising forming a covalently attachable labeling reagent for alkylating the molecule. Then, combining the covalently attachable labeling reagent with a mixture containing the molecule, under conditions wherein the labeling reagent has reactivity with the molecule thereby forming a covalent bond.

Abstract: This invention provides novel processes for amplifying nucleic acid sequences of interest, including linear and non-linear amplification. In linear amplification, a single initial primer or nucleic acid construct is utilized to carry out the amplification process. In nonlinear amplification, a first initial primer or nucleic acid construct is employed with a subsequent initial primer or nucleic acid construct. In other non-linear amplification processes provided by this invention, a first initial primer or nucleic acid construct is deployed with a second initial primer or nucleic acid construct to amplify the specific nucleic acid sequence of interest and its complement that are provided. A singular primer or a singular nucleic acid construct capable of non-linear amplification can also be used to carry out non-linear amplification in accordance with this invention.

Abstract: Methods and kits for identifying individuals at risk of developing osteoporosis are provided. These methods and kits are based on detecting the presence of polymorphisms in the tumor necrosis factor alpha 2 receptor gene associated with low bone density and the risk of developing osteoporosis.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of optimally labeled oligonucleotides wherein label-conjugated nucleotide triphosphates are incorporated into a nucleic acid sequence in a defined repetitive manner which allows for the optimal specific detectability of the oligonucleotide. The oligonucleotides of the present invention are useful in the assay of a wide variety of nucleic acid sequences, specifically wherever labeled nucleic acid probes are desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparation of a substrate containing a plurality of sequences. Photoremovable groups are attached to a surface of a substrate. Selected regions of the substrate are exposed to light so as to activate the selected areas. A monomer, also containing a photoremovable group, is provided to the substrate to bind at the selected areas. The process is repeated using a variety of monomers such as amino acids until sequences of a desired length are obtained. Detection methods and apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A number of modified nucleosides are disclosed composed of modified sugar moieties which contain substituents at C1 and C4 positions, or branched substituents at C3 and C5 positions of deoxyribose or ribose. Each nucleoside is converted to or properly protected and then converted to the corresponding phosphoramidites. These phosphoramidites are used to assemble oligonucleotides in which there is at least one of the forenoted nucleosides. These sugar modified oligonucleotides have the potential to be used as antisense therapies since they are expected to enhance nuclease resistance and cellular uptake while they maintain sequence-specificity and affinity to nucleic acid targets in vitro or in vivo.

Abstract: This invention provides novel processes for amplifying nucleic acid sequences of interest, including linear and non-linear amplification. In linear amplification, a single initial primer or nucleic acid construct is utilized to carry out the amplification process. In non-linear amplification, a first initial primer or nucleic acid construct is employed with a subsequent initial primer or nucleic acid construct. In other non-linear amplification processes provided by this invention, a first initial primer or nucleic acid construct is deployed with a second initial primer or nucleic acid construct to amplify the specific nucleic acid sequence of interest and its complement that are provided. A singular primer or a singular nucleic acid construct capable of non-linear amplification can also be used to carry out non-linear amplification in accordance with this invention.

Abstract: A labeling reagent for use in oligonucleotide (“oligo”) synthesis, as well as a method of preparing such a labeling reagent, a method of using such a reagent for synthesizing a labeled oligonucleotide, and an oligonucleotide prepared using such a reagent. The reagent can be used to label either the 3′ or 5′ termini of a synthesized oligo, and/or for one or more positions along the oligo. The labeling reagent can be prepared by a reaction scheme that involves the initial preparation of hydroxyacids, tritylated hydroxyacids and coupling of such derivatives to diamine, wherein the amine function serves at an attachment point for labels and the hydroxyl groups can either be used to immoblize the molecules to support or can be converted to provide a phosphorylating reagent.

Abstract: A real-time PCR method for detecting and quantifying the presence or absence of Renibacterium salmoninarum, the causative organism of Bacterial Kidney Disease, in a sample. The method includes the steps of combining with a sample a pair of PCR primers that bind to a DNA that is specific for the organism and a labeled probe that also binds to the DNA, and performing one or more rounds of PCR on the sample. The probe undergoes a change with each round of amplification of the DNA during the PCR reaction, which change causes a change in the signal provided by the label, thus providing a detection of the DNA and, if desired, a quantification, of the level of the DNA, and thus the level of the organism, in the sample.