Abstract: A method to detect DNA breaks includes providing a mixture of fluorescence energy transfer molecular oscillators and a DNA sample. The FET oscillator is a synthetic oligonucleotide that has a topoisomerase recognition sequence, a fluorescence donor and a fluorescence acceptor. The synthetic oligonucleotide is bound to a type I topoisomerase capable of binding to the topoisomerase recognition sequence. The mixture is irradiated at a wavelength of the fluorescence donor, and the emission is measured. Another variant of the disclosure is a probe for detecting DNA breaks utilizing a synthetic oligonucleotide comprising a topoisomerase recognition sequence, a fluorescence donor, and a nonradiative fluorescence quencher. Yet another variant of the disclosure is a probe for detecting DNA breaks utilizing a synthetic oligonucleotide comprising a topoisomerase recognition sequence, a fluorescence donor, and a fluorescence acceptor.

Abstract: Several types of DNA cuts are used as markers of apoptosis for detection of apoptotic cells in situ. The present invention includes a method to detect DNase II type DNA damage, bearing 5?OH using vaccinia topoisomerase I. The present invention also includes a method combining a ligase-based method to detect DNase I type DNA damage and the topoisomerase based method, resulting in simultaneous detection of two specific types of DNA damage in situ.

Abstract: Several types of DNA cuts are used as markers of apoptosis for detection of apoptotic cells in situ. The present invention includes a method to detect DNase II type DNA damage, bearing 5′OH using vaccinia topoisomerase I. The present invention also includes a method combining a ligase-based method to detect DNase I type DNA damage and the topoisomerase based method, resulting in simultaneous detection of two specific types of DNA damage in situ.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of apoptotic cells using a novel assay that employs ligation of DNA fragments in situ to selectively label apoptotic cells. The assay may be used in combination with known in situ methodologies to simultaneously detect apoptotic cells and specific biomolecules present in the apoptotic cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to the detection of apoptotic cells using a novel assay that employs ligation of DNA fragments in situ to selectively label apoptotic cells. The assay may be used in combination with known in situ methodologies to simultaneously detect apoptotic cells and specific biomolecules present in the apoptotic cell.