Patent ID: 6355428
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: C12Q

Abstract:
A method of determining the relative binding affinities of a ligand to different oligonucleotide sequences, comprising(i) forming a mixture of a first indicator pair of oligonucleotides, comprising a first oligonucleotide, which comprises a first group effective to produce a detectable signal, and a second oligonucleotide, which comprises a second group, such that in the presence of said second group said signal is detectably altered upon hybridization of said first and second oligonucleotides, and in the absence of said second group said signal would not be detectably altered upon such hybridization; wherein said mixture is formed under conditions such that, in the absence of said ligand, said oligonucleotides exist primarily in single-stranded form; (ii) observing said signal from said mixture in the absence of said ligand; (iii) adding said ligand to said mixture; (iv) observing said signal from said mixture in the presence of said ligand; (v) comparing said effect with that observed upon carrying out steps (i)-(iv) with a second indicator pair of oligonucleotides; and (vi) determining the relative binding affinities of said ligand to said first and second indicator pairs by comparing said effects.