Abstract: The present invention provides functional aptamer-comprising tRNA molecules, useful in the study of tRNA and ribosomal activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides functional aptamer-comprising tRNA molecules, useful in the study of tRNA and ribosomal activity.

Abstract: In a method of deducing the number of repeat units in a selected short tandem repeat (STR) in a genomic sample, at least a single stranded target DNA generated from a genomic sample comprising a selected STR, an STR probe (P1,P1?), a reference probe (P2), and two blockers (B1,B2) are provided, and at least three differential hybridization experiments are carried out, based on which the number of STR probe oligonucleotides (P1,P1?) bound per target DNA strand in each differential hybridization experiment is determined. The method further comprises the step of comparing these numbers of STR probe oligonucleotides (P1,P1?) bound per target DNA strand in the differential hybridization experiments for deducing the number of repeat units in the selected STR on the single stranded target DNA strand. Also disclosed are kits for carrying out STR genotyping by differential hybridization.

Abstract: In a method of deducing the number of repeat units in a selected short tandem repeat (STR) in a genomic sample, at least a single stranded target DNA generated from a genomic sample comprising a selected STR, an STR probe (P1,P1?), a reference probe (P2), and two blockers (B1,B2) are provided, and at least three differential hybridization experiments are carried out, based on which the number of STR probe oligonucleotides (P1,P1?) bound per target DNA strand in each differential hybridization experiment is determined. The method further comprises the step of comparing these numbers of STR probe oligonucleotides (P1,P1?) bound per target DNA strand in the differential hybridization experiments for deducing the number of repeat units in the selected STR on the single stranded target DNA strand. Also disclosed are kits for carrying out STR genotyping by differential hybridization.

Abstract: In a method of detecting the number of repeat units in a selected short tandem repeat (STR) in a genomic sample, the genomic sample is amplified by PCR and a single stranded target DNA is selected and separated for use in differential hybridization experiments. Subsequent partial genotyping comprises the steps of admixing to the target DNA at least one fluorescent labeled STR probe oligonucleotide and one different fluorescent labeled reference probe oligonucleotide allowing hybridization to the single stranded target DNA in a hybridization experiment. Measurement of the fluorescence intensities of the probes that are bound to the repeat units of the selected STR and normalizing the fluorescence intensity of the STR probes on the base of the reference probe intensity reveals a relative fluorescence signal representing the result of the differential hybridization experiment. Also disclosed are kits for carrying out partial genotyping by differential hybridization.

Abstract: Stem-loop probe for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping of individual SNP nucleic acid target sequences has first, second, and third single stranded nucleic acid portions. Second portion is between the first and third portions. First and third portions build a double stranded, intramolecular stem. Second portion forms a single stranded oligonucleotide loop with a nucleotide sequence, complementary to individual SNP nucleic acid target sequences. The nucleotide sequence of probe is matches probe/target hybrids have a melting point Tm that is at least 5° C. higher than Tm of mismatched probe/target hybrids. A method of detecting SNP in nucleic acid containing samples uses a pair of stem-loop probes for SNP genotyping of two individual SNP nucleic acid target sequences. The probes comprise the same first, second, and third portions and a ratio of perfect match probe/target hybrids to mismatched probe/target hybrids is detected at a certain temperature.

Abstract: Methods for the production and use of stable complexes of duplex nucleic acid molecules and oligonucleotides are presented. These complexes can be used for the detection and purification of a known nucleic acid target as well as the manipulation of a defined nucleic acid target sequence.