Patent ID: 9181554
Filing Date: 2015-11-10
Classification: C12N,C12Q,G01N

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting a target nucleotide sequence in a sample, the method comprising: providing a nuclease-aptamer complex as set forth in providing a linker nucleic acid comprising a first portion which can hybridise with the target nucleotide sequence if it is present in the sample, and a second portion which can hybridise with the aptamer when the first portion of the linker nucleic acid is hybridised to the target nucleotide sequence, wherein hybridisation between the aptamer and the second portion of the linker nucleic acid modifies, reduces or eliminates binding between the aptamer and the nuclease, and wherein the linker nucleic acid comprises a stem loop structure and at least a portion of the first portion of the linker is comprised within a loop of the stem-loop structure and at least a portion of the second portion of the linker is comprised within a stem of the stem-loop structure; applying the nuclease-aptamer complex to the sample; applying the linker nucleic acid to the sample; allowing the first portion of the linker nucleic acid to hybridise with the target nucleotide sequence if it is present in the sample; allowing the second portion of the linker nucleic acid to hybridise with the aptamer when the first portion of the linker nucleic acid hybridises with the target nucleotide sequence; and detecting the activity of the nuclease, wherein increased nuclease activity in the sample is indicative of the presence of the target nucleotide sequence in the sample.