Abstract:
The invention relates to the detection and analysis of RNA transcripts, and in particular to methods of characterising the numbers and types of primary RNA transcripts produced in a given cell or tissue.
Abstract:
Methods, assays, and components are described in which biological samples can be rapidly and sensitively analyzed for the presence of species associated with neurodegenerative disease. Techniques and components are provided for diagnosis of disease, as well as for screening of candidate drugs for treatment of neurodegenerative disease. The techniques are simple, extremely sensitive, and utilize readily-available components. Binding species, capable of binding a neurodegenerative disease aggregate-forming or aggregate-forming species, are fastened to surfaces of electrodes and surfaces of particles, or provided free in solution, to bind aggregate-forming species and/or be involved in aggregation.
Abstract:
Disclosed are methods for identifying nucleic acid sequences which are of different abundances in different nucleic acid source populations, e.g. differentially expressed genes or genomic variations among individuals or populations of individuals. In one embodiment, probes derived from the source nucleic acid populations are derivatized with a terminal sample ID (SID) sequence characteristic of that population. Upon competitive hybridization of the probes to a reference or index nucleic acid library containing all the sequences in the populations being compared, the SID tags remain single stranded, and those from the different sources are then annealed to one another. Unhybridized (remainder) SID sequences are then quantified. By labeling such remainder SID sequences with a fluorescent dye, FACS sorting of beads containing the hybridized probes can be carried out. The signal ratio upon which such sorting is based is enhanced compared to competitive hybridization using labeled probes without SID sequences.
Abstract:
The invention relates to method and devices for indexing populations, among other things. Particular embodiments relate to methods for indexing population that can be carried out in homogeneous media, particularly methods in which indexing reactions can be carried out in homogeneous media and the products of the reactions can be determined without physically separating the products from the reaction. In these and other regards the invention further relates to methods and devices for indexing using real time monitoring and determinations based on reaction kinetics. In another further respect in these and other regards the invention relates to multiplexed indexing. And, in a still further specific in all these regards the invention relates to methods and devices for indexing a substantial fraction of all sub-populations of a given type. Specific embodiments relate to polynucleotides to expression profiling and to strand displacement indexing and reagent for strand displacement indexing.
Abstract:
The present invention concerns a method for tagging the reaction products of transcription-based amplification procedures, and a kit for detecting such tagged nucleic acid amplified in a transcription-based amplification assay. The method is characterised in that RNA amplicons are generated by transcription-based amplification by introducing transcribable non-target related sequence elements in one or both primers used for transcription-based amplification which are transcribed into the RNA amplicons. In particular, the extra sequence elements thus introduced into the amplicons, can be used for the detection of the amplicons, for specific selection of the amplicons, to artificially extend the length of amplicons or to tag polypeptides translated from RNA amplicons generated by transcription-based amplification.
Abstract:
The invention provides oligonucleotide tag compositions and methods for synthesizing repertoires of error-free oligonucleotide tags that may be used for labeling and sorting polynucleotides, such as cDNAs, restriction fragments, and the like. In accordance with the method of the invention, oligonucleotide tag precursors are provided in an amplicon, wherein the tag precursors each consists of one or more oligonucleotide "words" selected from the same minimally cross-hybridizing set of words. The oligonucleotide tag precursors are elongated by repeated cycles of cleavage, ligation of one or more words, and amplification. Cycles continue until the oligonucleotide tags of the repertoire have a desired length or complexity.
Abstract:
The present invention concerns a method for tagging the reaction products of transcription-based amplification procedures, and a kit for detecting such tagged nucleic acid amplified in a transcription-based amplification assay. The method is characterised in that RNA amplicons are generated by transcription-based amplification by introducing transcribable non-target related sequence elements in one or both primers used for transcription-based amplification which are transcribed into the RNA amplicons. In particular, the extra sequence elements thus introduced into the amplicons, can be used for the detection of the amplicons, for specific selection of the amplicons, to artificially extend the length of amplicons or to tag polypeptides translated from RNA amplicons generated by transcription-based amplification.
Abstract:
The current invention provides an accurate and reliable method for tagging gene sequences for future identification. The method uses a specific identification serial number that may be one or more characters, with each character being encoded by a distinct sequence of nucleic acids. These nucleic acids are referred to as the serial number nucleic acids. The distinct sequence of nucleic acids is attached to a given genetic sequence so that the genetic sequence will always be identifiable by one reading the serial number nucleic acids.
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 ore 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 molecule 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. A single round of amplification using rolling circle replication results in a large amplification of the amplification target circles. Following rolling circle replication, the amplified sequences are detected using combinatorial multicolor coding probes that allow separate, simultaneous, and quantitative detection of multiple different amplified target circles representing multiple different target molecules. Since the amplified product is directly proportional to the amount of target sequence present in a sample, quantitative measurements reliably represent the amount of a target sequence in a sample. Major advantages of this method are that a large number of distinct target molecules can be detected simultaneously, and that differences in the amounts of the various target molecules in a sample can be accurately quantified. It is also advantageous that the DNA replication step is isothermal, and that signals are strictly quantitative because the amplification reaction is linear and is catalyzed by a highly processive enzyme.