Patent ID: 6020126
Filing Date: 2000-02-01
Classification: C07H,C12Q

Abstract:
A method of detecting, in a sample containing a mixture of double stranded DNA polynucleotides, a target polynucleotide region having a sequence identical to a defined sequence, comprisingreacting the sample with a peptide nucleic acid (PNA), having a sequence complementary to said defined sequence, under conditions that allow the formation of a complex between perfectly matched PNA and target-region sequences, but not between imperfectly matched PNA and target-region sequences having a single base pair mismatch, where said reacting includes contacting said sample with said PNA at about room temperature, and subsequently elevating the temperature of the reaction to between about 50.degree. C. and about 80.degree. C. to achieve conditions that allow the formation of complexes between perfectly matched PNA and target-region sequences, but not between said imperfectly matched PNA and target-region sequencesseparating complexed from non-complexed polynucleotides in the sample anddetecting the presence of said complex,wherein said PNA is immobilized on a solid support, said reacting includes incubating the sample with the support, said separating includes washing said support to remove unbound polynucleotides, and said detecting includes detecting support-bound polynucleotides and adding labeled polycationic reporter.