Abstract:
The present invention is directed to a method for detecting and quantifying rare mutations in a nucleic acid sample. The nucleic acid molecules under investigation can be either DNA or RNA. The rare mutation can be any type of functional or non-functional nucleic acid change or mutation, such as deletion, insertion, translocation, inversion, one or more base substitution or polymorphism. Therefore, the methods of the present invention are useful in detection of rare mutations in, for example, diagnostic, prognostic and follow-up applications, when the targets are rare known nucleic acid variants mixed in with the wildtype or the more common nucleic acid variant(s).
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to novel methods for in vitro and in vivo detection of target nucleic acid molecules, including DNA and RNA targets, as well as nucleic acid analogues. The present invention is based on protein complementation, in which two individual polypeptides are inactive. When the two inactive polypeptide fragment are brought in close proximity during hybridization to a target nucleic acid, they re-associate into an active, detectable protein.
Abstract:
Provided herein are substrates for matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometric analysis. Each spot includes 3-hydroxypicolinic acid matrix and no analyte.
Abstract:
Streptavidin-metallothionein chimeric proteins with biological recognition specificity in which the streptavidin moiety provides high affinity biotin binding and the metallothionein moiety provides a high affinity metal binding. The binding affinity of the streptavidin-metallothionein chimeric protein both for biotin and heavy metal ions allows specific incorporation into, conjugation with, or labelling of any biological material containing biotin with various heavy metal ions.
Abstract:
Compositions and methods for the control of genetically engineered organisms are described. A more effective cell suicide approach is contemplated based on the conditional expression of the lethal Streptomyces avidinii streptavidin gene. Toxicity of streptavidin is derived from its exceptionally high binding affinity for an essential prosthetic group, D-biotin. The general requirement for biotin through the living world makes streptavidin-based conditional lethal designs applicable to a broad range of containment strategies.
Abstract:
The present invention defines a DNA:protein-binding assay useful for screening libraries of synthetic or biological compounds for their ability to bind DNA test sequences. The assay is versatile in that any number of test sequences can be tested by placing the test sequence adjacent to a defined protein binding screening sequence. Binding of molecules to these test sequence changes the binding characteristics of the protein molecule to its cognate binding sequence. When such a molecule binds the test sequence the equilibrium of the DNA:protein complexes is disturbed, generating changes in the concentration of free DNA probe. Numerous exemplary target test sequences (SEQ ID NO:1 to SEQ ID NO:600) are set forth. The assay of the present invention is also useful to characterize the preferred binding sequences of any selected DNA-binding molecule.
Abstract translation:本发明定义了一种DNA:蛋白结合测定法,用于筛选合成或生物化合物文库结合DNA测试序列的能力。 该测定法是通用的,因为可以通过将测试序列置于与定义的蛋白质结合筛选序列相邻的位置来测试任何数量的测试序列。 分子与这些测试序列的结合改变了蛋白质分子与其同源结合序列的结合特征。 当这样的分子结合测试序列时,DNA:蛋白复合物的平衡受到干扰,产生游离DNA探针浓度的变化。 阐述了许多示例性目标测试序列(SEQ ID NO:1至SEQ ID NO:600)。 本发明的测定也可用于表征任何所选DNA结合分子的优选结合序列。
Abstract:
DNA which encodes the polypeptide streptavidin has been isolated as a fragment 2 kb in length derived from a restriction endonuclease digestion of the chromosomal DNA of Streptomyces avidinii. The nucleic acid sequence of the gene and the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide have been determined. A fused gene has been prepared which comprises the streptavidin gene fused to a gene encoding the human LDL receptor. Expression of the gene fusion results in a fused streptavidin-human LDL receptor polypeptide. Methods are provided for using the fused gene to produce labeled, chemically modified proteins in vivo and to isolate a protein knowing only the nucleotide sequence of the gene encoding the protein.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a method for measuring the amount of a target nucleic acid in a sample using a standard which is designed to have one base difference compared with the gene of interest or a “target nucleic acid sequence.” Use of such standard in combination with a method of “enhancing” the difference in the standard and the test nucleic acid sample using, for example, a base extension reaction carried right at the mutation site allowing amplification of the standard and target nucleic acids with the same efficiency and facilitating quantification of the target nucleic acid. Thereafter a means of quantifying the “enhanced” standard and target nucleic acid samples is used to determine the amount of the target nucleic acid. In the preferred embodiment, the quantification means is Mass Spectrometry.
Abstract:
The invention relates to supramolecular bioconjugates and to methods for assembling and utilizing supramolecular bioconjugates. Supramolecular bioconjugates comprise a plurality of first nucleic acids and a plurality of mediators wherein each mediator comprises a second nucleic acid complementary to a sequence within said plurality of first nucleic acids. To assemble a supramolecular bioconjugate, one or more sets of bioreactive agents are coupled to the plurality of mediators, forming a plurality of bioreactive complexes. The plurality of bioreactive complexes are hybridized to the plurality of first nucleic acids to form the supramolecular bioconjugate. Bioconjugates can be used to detect and isolate targets, to screen samples for targets such as antigens, to treat patients with multiple agents or to diagnose disorders in the form of a kit.
Abstract:
Chromosomal abnormalities are responsible for a significant number of birth defects, including mental retardation. The present invention is related to methods for non-invasive and rapid, prenatal diagnosis of chromosomal abnormalities based on analysis of a maternal blood sample. The invention exploits the differences in DNA between the mother and fetus, for instance differences in their methylation states, as a means to enrich for fetal DNA in maternal plasma sample. The methods described herein can be used to detect chromosomal DNA deletions and duplications. In a preferred embodiment, the methods are used to diagnose chromosomal aneuploidy and related disorders, such as Down's and Turner's Syndrome.