Circularizing nucleic acid probe able to interlock with a target sequence through catenation

US5871921A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Ulf Landegren · Uppsala, SE
• Marek Kwiatkowski · Uppsala, SE

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 23, 1996
• Grant date: Feb 16, 1999
• Expiry date: Aug 23, 2016

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12Q1/6813
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The invention relates to a method of detecting a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample by contacting the sample with a detectable probe having ends which hybridize to two adjacent regions of the target sequence. The hybridized probe ends are then covalently connected to form a cyclized structure interlocking with the target molecule. This structure is then subjected either to non-hybridizing conditions and/or to exonuclease activity to remove any non-cyclized probes from the target sequence. The target molecule is then detected by detecting the presence of the interlocking, cantenated probe.