Methods for molecular detection
AssigneeBiotex, Inc.
InventorsGeorge Jackson, Christopher Quan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention relates to methods for molecular detection, particularly to methods utilizing target-specific molecular probes. In exemplary embodiments, target-specific molecular probes include single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA) aptamers. In general, the molecular probe may bind with relatively high specificity to a given target. In one aspect, a method for molecular detection comprises a molecular probe paired to a reporter molecule wherein the molecular probe impairs the amplification of the reporter molecule in the absence of the target molecule.
Claims13
A method for molecular detection comprising:
- adding at least one molecular probe to a sample for detecting the presence of a target in said sample, said at least one molecular probe comprising a single-stranded nucleic acid aptamer which binds to said target and reduces hybridization of said at least one molecule probe to complementary nucleic acids;
- adding at least one reporter molecule to said sample, said at least one reporter molecule comprising a single-stranded circular nucleic acid;
- adding at least one primer to said sample, said at least one primer comprising a single-stranded nucleic acid complementary to primer binding portion of said at least one reporter molecule;
- and
- performing a primer extension reaction on said primer which is hybridized to said primer binding portion, said primer extension reaction generating a single-stranded nucleic acid product;
- wherein said at least one molecular probe is at least partially complementary to a probe binding portion and blocks said primer extension reaction of said primer when hybridized to said at least one reporter molecule.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.