Stephen Coutts

Bio: Stephen Coutts is an academic researcher from Hochschule Hannover. The author has contributed to research in topics: Diol & Aldehyde. The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 21 publications receiving 383 citations.

Chemically-defined non-polymeric valency platform molecules and conjugates thereof

Abstract: Chemically-defined, non-polymeric valency platform molecules and conjugates comprising chemically-defined valency platform molecules and biological or chemical molecules including polynucleotide duplexes of at least 20 base pairs that have significant binding activity for human lupus anti-dsDNA autoantibodies.

The coupling of conformational transitions in alanine specific transfer ribonucleic acid from yeast studied by a modified differential absorption technique.

Abstract: A high precision differential absorption technique has been developed for the detailed experimental analysis of the complex melting behaviour of specific tRNAs. This technique allows the resolution of overlapping transitions which have been observed in a study of the interaction of Mg2+ ions with tRNAAla (yeast). On the basis of these experimental observations a strong coupling between two adjacent transitions in tRNAAla is proposed and discussed with respect to the structure of tRNAAla. The sedimentation coefficient of tRNAAla as a function of temperature up to 80° has been studied in detail. The wavelength dependences of the hyperchromicities of various transitions in tRNA and tRNA half molecules are discussed with regard to A · U and G · C pairs melting in these processes. From a comparison of the melting behaviour of tRNAAla, tRNATyr, tRNASer, and tRNAPhe in the presence and the absence of Mg2+ ions it is shown that tRNAAla is best suited for detailed studies of conformational changes in tRNA.

Modified phosphorous intermediates for providing functional groups on the 5' end of oligonucleotides

Abstract: Phosphoramidites of formula (II) where R is a base-labile protecting group, R?1 and R2? are individually alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl of 3 to 8 carbon atoms, or aryl of 6 to 20 carbon atoms or are joined together to form with the nitrogen atom a cyclic structure of 4-7 carbon atoms and 0 to 1 annular chalcogen atoms of atomic number 8 to 16, G is a hydrocarbylene group of 1 to 20 carbon atoms and Z is a hydroxy-protected vicinal diol group bound to G by one of the vicinal diol carbon atoms or a disulfide group and bound to G by one of the sulfur atoms of the disulfide group, with the proviso that G is of at least 4 carbon atoms when Z is said disulfide group are used in conventional automated oligonucleotide synthesis to introduce a functional aldehyde or thiol group on the 5' end of the oligonucleotide to thereby provide a reactive site on the oligonucleotide that may be used to conjugate the oligonucleotide to molecules that contain a free amino group or an electrophilic center reactive with a thiol group.

Composition for inducing humoral anergy to an immunogen comprising a T cell epitope-deficient analog of the immunogen conjugated to a nonimmunogenic valency platform molecule

Abstract: Conjugates of nonimmunogenic valency platform molecules and analogs of immunogens that possess the specific B cell binding ability of the immunogen but lack T cell epitopes and which, when introduced into individuals, induce humoral anergy to the immunogen are disclosed. Accordingly, these conjugates are useful for treating antibody-mediated pathologies that are caused by foreign or self immunogens.

Selforganization of matter and the evolution of biological macromolecules

Abstract: IA. Cause and Effect . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 465 1.2. Prerequisites of Selforganization . . . . . . . 467 1.2.3. Evolut ion Must S ta r t f rom R andom Even ts 467 1.2.2. Ins t ruc t ion Requires In format ion . . . . 467 1.2.3. In format ion Originates or Gains Value by S e l e c t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 469 1.2.4. Selection Occurs wi th Special Substances under Special Conditions . . . . . . . . 470

Viroids are single-stranded covalently closed circular RNA molecules existing as highly base-paired rod-like structures.

Abstract: Viroids are uncoated infectious RNA molecules pathogenic to certain higher plants. Four different highly purified viroids were studied. By ultracentrifugation, thermal denaturation, electron microscopy, and end group analysis the following features were established: (i) the molecular weight of cucumber pale fruit viroid from tomato is 110,000, of citrus exocortis viroid from Gynura 119,000, of citrus exocortis viroid from tomato 119,000 and of potato spindle tuber viroid from tomato 127,000. (ii) Viroids are single-stranded molecules. (iii) Virods exhibit high thermal stability, cooperativity, and self-complementarity resulting in a rod-like native structure. (iv) Viroids are covalently closed circular RNA molecules.

Immunostimulatory oligonucleotides, compositions thereof and methods of use thereof

Abstract: The invention relates to immunostimulatory oligonucleotide compositions. These oligonucleotides comprise an immunostimulatory octanucleotide sequence. These oligonucleotides can be administered in conjunction with an immunostimulatory peptide or antigen. Methods for modulating an immune response upon administration of the oligonucleotide are also disclosed. In addition, an in vitro screening method to identify oligonucleotides with immunostimulatory activity is provided.

Nucleic acid ligand complexes

Abstract: This invention discloses a method for preparing a therapeutic or diagnostic complex comprised of a nucleic acid ligand and a lipophilic compound or non-immunogenic, high molecular weight compound by identifying a nucleic acid ligand by SELEX methodology and associating the nucleic acid ligand with a lipophilic compound or a non-immunogenic, high molecular weight compound. The invention further discloses complexes comprising one or more nucleic acid ligands in association with a lipophilic compound or non-immunogenic, high molecular weight compound.