Nucleic acid probes having highly hydrophilic non-nucleosidic tags with multiple labels, and uses thereof

US6504019B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC · DE

Inventors

• Guohan Yang · Mansfield, US
• Donna Ford · Plainville, US
• Say-Jong Law · Westwood, US
• John E. Monahan · Walpole, US
• Todd B. Sells · Bellingham, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 21, 2001
• Grant date: Jan 7, 2003
• Expiry date: Mar 21, 2021

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C07H21/00
• WIPO field: Organic fine chemistry
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Highly hydrophilic non-nucleosidic tags with multiple labels are provided for use in nucleic acid probes. The tags are branched structures having a phosphodiester backbone, which have the advantages of a small dimensional size and high hydrophilicity. After the tag is labeled, its high negative charge and minimal size help to keep the carriers away from DNA or RNA molecules, due to repulsion between negative charges. Non-specific intercalation and steric hindrance are therefore minimized, and the hydrophobicity, if any of reporter molecules is reduced. The probes are used in place of conventionally labeled oligonucleotides for a variety of hybridization reactions.