Molecular torches and their use under strand displacement conditions

• US 20050130216A1
• Filed: 01/27/2005
• Published: 06/16/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/02/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Gary P. Schroth, Michael M. Becker
• Original Assignee: Gary P. Schroth, Michael M. Becker
• Inventors: Schroth, Gary P., Becker, Michael M.
• Granted Patent: US 7,250,259 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 435/6
• CPC Class Codes: C12Q 1/6818 involving interaction of two or more labels, e.g. resonant energy transfer
• CPC Class Codes: C12Q 2525/161 incorporating target specific and non-target specific sites
• CPC Class Codes: C12Q 2525/197 incorporating a spacer/coupling moiety
• CPC Class Codes: C12Q 2563/107 fluorescence

Abstract

The present invention features “molecular torches” and the use of molecular torches for detecting the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence. Molecular torches contain a target binding domain, a target closing domain, and a joining region. The target binding domain is biased towards the target sequence such that the target binding domain forms a more stable hybrid with the target sequence than with the target closing domain under the same hybridization conditions. The joining region facilitates the formation or maintenance of a closed torch.

Claims