US 2001/0055773 A1 · Homogeneous detection of a target through nucleic acid ligand-ligand beacon interaction

Abstract

A homogeneous assay that utilizes molecular beacons as the reporter and nucleic acid ligands as the sensor is described. This assay, called the ligand beacon assay, is for the detection of target molecules in a test mixture. The concept of the ligand beacon assay was tested using several proteins to which high affinity and specific nucleic acid ligands are available. The assay specifically detects the molecular target that binds the nucleic acid ligand with high affinity and specificity. The range of the assay is dictated by the concentration of the nucleic acid ligand/ligand beacon pair used in the assay. Target proteins were detected in buffer as well as in plasma, expanding its applicability to clinical use. This is a simple to use and fast assay format with the potential for automation for high throughput screening applications.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A method for detecting the presence or absence of a target molecule in a test mixture which may contain said target molecule comprising:

a) contacting the test mixture with a first nucleic acid ligand which binds to said target molecule, wherein said first nucleic acid ligand undergoes a conformational change;
b) contacting the mixture produced by step a) with a second nucleic acid ligand which binds to the conformationally changed first nucleic acid ligand, wherein said second nucleic acid ligand undergoes a conformational change;
c) contacting the mixture produced by step b) with a third nucleic acid ligand which binds to the conformationally changed second nucleic acid ligand, thereby forming a cascade hybridization complex;
and
d) detecting the presence of said cascade hybridization complex.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Homogeneous detection of a target through nucleic acid ligand-ligand beacon interaction

Life of this patent

Homogeneous detection of a target through nucleic acid ligand-ligand beacon interaction

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10