Detectably labeled dual conformation oligonucleotide probes, assays and kits

Abstract From the Canadian patent

Unimolecular and bimolecular hybridization probes for the detection of nucleic acid target sequences comprise a target complement sequence, an affinity pair holding the probe in a closed conformation in the absence of target sequence and either , a label pair that interacts when the probe is in the closed conformation or, for certain unimolecular probes a non-interactive , label. Hybridization of the target and target complement sequences shifts the probe to an open conformation. The shift is detectable due to reduced interaction of the label pair or by detecting a signal from a non-interactive label. Certain unimolecular probes can discriminate between target and non-target …