Abstract: A method of detecting a non-DNA target includes the use of a first nucleic acid motif linked to a first affinity ligand which binds specifically to the target and having a first toehold domain and a first binding domain, and a second nucleic acid motif linked to a second affinity ligand which binds specifically to the target and having a second binding domain, wherein the first and second binding domains are complementary to each other. Upon contact with the target, the first and second nucleic acid motifs bind to form a target-ligand complex. The formation of the complex causes displacement of an output nucleic acid motif. This method may be used with detectable beacons in an imaging or diagnostic method, and particularly in a point of care diagnostic method.

Abstract: This invention relates to a simple and quick method for the detection, identification and/or quantitation of binding factors using fluorescence techniques. A fluorescent probe is incubated with a factor or group of factors, and the presence of a factor capable of binding the probe can be detected by fluorescence polarization. When coupled with a separation step, this invention allows on-line monitoring of binding complex formation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the detection and quantitation of any modification of interest in any nucleic acid sequence. In particular, the invention provides methods for detecting and quantitating low levels of modifications of interest in DNA sequences. The methods of the invention take advantage of combining the use of nucleic acid sequence modification-specific molecules which are specific for DNA modifications, of fluorescently labelled proteins which are specific for the nucleic acid sequence modification-specific molecules, of capillary electrophoresis and of laser-induced fluorescence. The methods of the invention are useful for identifying and detecting exposure to carcinogens, in early risk assessment for cancer, and in monitoring of cancer therapy.