Abstract: Compositions, methods and devices for detecting and quantifying levels of an analyte polynucleotide in homogeneous assays using collections of soluble or immobilized hybridization probes. In certain preferred embodiments, the probes are immobilized in an array format. Polynucleotides may be quantified directly, or amplified in an in vitro nucleic acid amplification reaction prior to detection and quantitation. Amplification reactions may be performed in contact with the invented probes, and analyte amplicons quantified in real-time or end-point assays.

Abstract: A method for capturing a target polynucleotide in a sample onto a solid support with an attached immobilized probe by using a capture probe and two different hybridization conditions that control the order of hybridization, where the first hybridization condition allows hybridization of the capture probe to the target polynucleotide, and the second hybridization condition allows hybridization of the capture probe to the immobilized probe. The method further includes amplifying the captured target polynucleotide by hybridizing at least one primer oligonucleotide to the target polynucleotide and using nucleic acid amplification that initiates from the primer oligonucleotide.

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.

Abstract: The present invention concerns oligonucleotides containing one or more modified nucleotides which increase the binding affinity of the oligonucleotides to target nucleic acids having a complementary nucleotide base sequence. These modified oligonucleotides hybridize to the target sequence at a faster rate than unmodified oligonucleotides having an identical nucleotide base sequence. Such modified oligonucleotides include oligonucleotides containing at least one 2′-O-methylribofuranosyl moiety joined to a nitrogenous base. Oligonucleotides can be modified in accordance with the present invention to preferentially bind RNA targets. The present invention also concerns methods of using these modified oligonucleotides and kits containing the same.

Abstract: The present invention features a method and associated kit for increasing the association rate between polynucleotides having complementary, single-stranded regions, where the method includes providing to a test sample containing the complementary polynucleotides one or more synthetic, water soluble polycationic polymers.

Abstract: A method for capturing a target polynucleotide in a sample onto a solid support with an attached immobilized probe by using a capture probe and two different hybridization conditions that control the order of hybridization, where the first hybridization condition allows hybridization of the capture probe to the target polynucleotide, and the second hybridization condition allows hybridization of the capture probe to the immobilized probe. The method further includes amplifying the captured target polynucleotide by hybridizing at least one primer oligonucleotide to the target polynucleotide and using nucleic acid amplification that initiates from the primer oligonucleotide.

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.

Abstract: A process of fragmenting and labeling a synthetic or natural nucleic acid, comprising the steps of providing a mixture containing a nucleic acid, a labeling agent containing a detectable label, and at least one multivalent metal cation in a substantially aqueous solution; chemically fragmenting the nucleic acid in the mixture to produce a multiplicity of nucleic acid fragments; and attaching at least one label to at least one of the nucleic acid fragments to produce a detectably labeled nucleic acid fragment.

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.

Abstract: A method for capturing a target polynucleotide in a sample onto a solid support with an attached immobilized probe by using a capture probe and two different hybridization conditions, which preferably differ in temperature only, is disclosed. The two hybridization conditions control the order of hybridization, where the first hybridization conditions allow hybridization of the capture probe to the target polynucleotide, and the second hybridization conditions allow hybridization of the capture probe to the immobilized probe. The method may be used to detect the presence of a target polynucleotide in a sample by detecting the captured target polynucleotide or amplified target polynucleotide.

Abstract: A method for capturing a target polynucleotide in a sample onto a solid support with an attached immobilized probe by using a capture probe and two different hybridization conditions, which preferably differ in temperature only, is disclosed. The two hybridization conditions control the order of hybridization, where the first hybridization conditions allow hybridization of the capture probe to the target polynucleotide, and the second hybridization conditions allow hybridization of the capture probe to the immobilized probe. The method may be used to detect the presence of a target polynucleotide in a sample by detecting the captured target polynucleotide or amplified target polynucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention concerns oligonucleotides containing one or more modified nucleotides which increase the binding affinity of the oligonucleotides to target nucleic acids having a complementary nucleotide base sequence. These modified oligonucleotides hybridize to the target sequence at a faster rate than unmodified oligonucleotides having an identical nucleotide base sequence. Such modified oligonucleotides include oligonucleotides containing at least one 2'-O-methylribofuranosyl moiety joined to a nitrogenous base. Oligonucleotides can be modified in accordance with the present invention to preferentially bind RNA targets. The present invention also concerns methods of using these modified oligonucleotides and kits containing the same.

Abstract: A method for capturing a target polynucleotide in a sample onto a solid support with an attached immobilized probe by using a capture probe and two different hybridization conditions, which preferably differ in temperature only, is disclosed. The two hybridization conditions control the order of hybridization, where the first hybridization conditions allow hybridization of the capture probe to the target polynucleotide, and the second hybridization conditions allow hybridization of the capture probe to the immobilized probe. The method may be used to detect the presence of a target polynucleotide in a sample by detecting the captured target polynucleotide or amplified target polynucleotide.

Abstract: The present invention features "promoter-sequestered" oligonucleosides and the use of such oligonucleosides to achieve "target-triggered" amplification. A promoter-sequestered oligonucleoside contains a contiguous nucleic acid sequence which forms a stem-loop structure in the absence of a target sequence. The stem-loop structure contains a single-stranded loop region and a double-stranded stem region. The single-stranded loop contains all, or a portion of, an RNA polymerase promoter sequence. The stem is produced from two substantially complementary nucleic acid sequences able to form an intramolecular hybrid. The secondary structure of the stem decreases the accessibility of the loop promoter sequence to form a functional double-stranded promoter.