Patent ID: 8268556
Filing Date: 2012-09-18
Classification: C12Q,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of determining the presence of an analyte through the formation of a self-assembled RNA complex, said method comprising the steps: (a) placing in solution at least three monomeric units of an RNA molecule, each said monomeric unit comprising RNA having a first helical domain having a first and second binding site, said first helical domain connected to a second helical domain having a first and second binding site, at least one of said monomeric units comprising an aptamer adapted to react with said analyte; and (b) allowing said at least one of said monomeric units comprising an aptamer to react with said analyte, and such that, in the presence of said analyte, said at least three monomeric units self-assemble by respective first binding sites interacting with first binding sites of respective adjacent monomeric units, and respective second binding sites interacting with second binding sites of respective adjacent monomeric units to form pairs of cognate interactions and so as to form said RNA complex in a circular closed complex; and (c) determining the presence or absence of said complex.