Fret sequencing by DNA scanning proteins

Abstract

This patent describes a novel method for DNA sequencing. A DNA hybrid is created such that one strand contains nucleotides (A, G, C, T/U) bound to different FRET acceptor fluorophores that emits a distinct, differentiable wavelength. A DNA scanning protein carrying a FRET donor fluorophore is also added. A laser with a wavelength that excites the donor molecule irradiates the reaction. As the protein complex passes over a nucleotide on the DNA strand, a FRET reaction occurs between the donor and acceptor fluorophores. The acceptor fluorophore will emit a distinct wavelength which is detected and correlated to a specific nucleotide. As the DNA scanning protein moves along the DNA molecule the entire sequence of nucleotides can be determined by correlating the wavelengths emitted with the specific nucleotide associated with it.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.