This invention provides methods of monitoring the expression levels of a multiplicity of genes. The methods involve hybridizing a nucleic acid sample to a high density array of oligonucleotide probes where the high density array contains oligonucleotide probes complementary to subsequences of target nucleic acids in the nucleic acid sample. In one embodiment, the method involves providing a pool of target nucleic acids comprising RNA transcripts of one or more target genes, or nucleic acids derived from the RNA transcripts, hybridizing said pool of nucleic acids to an array of oligonucleotide probes immobilized on surface, where the array comprising more than 100 different oligonucleotides and each different oligonucleotide is localized in a predetermined region of the surface, the density of the different oligonucleotides is greater than about 60 different oligonucleotides per 1 cm2, and the oligonucleotide probes are complementary to the RNA transcripts or nucleic acids derived from the RNA transcripts; and quantifying the hybridized nucleic acids in the array.

Expression monitoring by hybridization to high density oligonucleotide arrays

A method and apparatus for forming microarrays of biological samples on a support are disclosed. The method involves dispensing a known volume of a reagent at each selected array position, by tapping a capillary dispenser on the support under conditions effective to draw a defined volume of liquid onto the support. The apparatus is designed to produce a microarray of such regions in an automated fashion.

Methods for fabricating microarrays of biological samples

The present invention relates to the detection of nucleic acid sequence differences using coupled ligase detection reaction and polymerase chain reaction. One aspect of the present invention involves use of a ligase detection reaction coupled to a polymerase chain reaction. Another aspect of the present invention relates to the use of a primary polymerase chain reaction coupled to a secondary polymerase chain reaction coupled to a ligase detection reaction. A third aspect of the present invention involves a primary polymerase chain reaction coupled to a secondary polymerase chain reaction. Such coupling of the ligase detection reaction and the polymerase chain reaction permits multiplex detection of nucleic acid sequence differences.

Detection of nucleic acid sequence differences using coupled ligase detection and polymerase chain reactions

The present invention provides a simplified method for identifying differences in nucleic acid abundances (e.g., expression levels) between two or more samples. The methods involve providing an array containing a large number (e.g. greater than 1,000) of arbitrarily selected different oligonucleotide probes where the sequence and location of each different probe is known. Nucleic acid samples (e.g. mRNA) from two or more samples are hybridized to the probe arrays and the pattern of hybridization is detected. Differences in the hybridization patterns between the samples indicates differences in expression of various genes between those samples. This invention also provides a method of end-labeling a nucleic acid. In one embodiment, the method involves providing a nucleic acid, providing a labeled oligonucleotide and then enzymatically ligating the oligonucleotide to the nucleic acid. Thus, for example, where the nucleic acid is an RNA, a labeled oligoribonucleotide can be ligated using an RNA ligase. In another embodiment, the end labeling can be accomplished by providing a nucleic acid, providing labeled nucleoside triphosphates, and attaching the nucleoside triphosphates to the nucleic acid using a terminal transferase.

Nucleic acid analysis techniques

The invention provides fast and highly accurate mass spectrometer based processes for detecting a particular nucleic acid sequence in a biological sample. Depending on the sequence to be detected, the processes can be used, for example, to diagnose a genetic disease or chromosomal abnormality; a predisposition to a disease or condition, infection by a pathogenic organism, or for determining identity or heredity.

DNA diagnostics based on mass spectrometry

Method and composition for detecting one or more selected polynucleotide regions in a target polynucleotide. In the method, a mixture of sequence-specific probes are reacted with the target polynucleotide under hybridization conditions, and the hybridized probes are treated to selectively modify those probes which are bound to the target polynucleotide in a base-specific manner. The resulting labeled probes include a polymer chain which imparts to each different-sequence probe, a distinctive ratio of charge/translational frictional drag, and a detectable label. The labeled probes are fractionated by electrophoresis in a non-sieving matrix, and the presence of one or more selected sequences in the target polynucleotide are detected according to the observed electrophoretic migration rates of the labeled probes in a non-sieving medium.

Method of DNA sequencing employing a mixed DNA-polymer chain probe

Method and composition for detecting one or more selected polynucleotide regions in a target polynucleotide. In one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of different-sequence probe pairs are added to a target polynucleotide, where each probe pair includes two polynucleotide probe elements which are complementary in sequence to adjacent portions of a selected one of the target sequences in the target polynucleotide. In each probe pair, one of the probe elements contains a non-polynucleotide polymer chain which imparts a distinctive mobility to the associated probe pair, when the elements in the pair are ligated. The other element in the pair contains a detectable reporter label. After the probe pairs have been allowed to hybridize with the target polynucleotide, the hybridized polynucleotides are treated under conditions effective to ligate the end subunits of target-bound probe elements when their end subunits are base-paired with adjacent target bases. The ligated probe pairs are then released from the target polynucleotide and separated electrophoretically in a sieving matrix, or chromatographically.

Method and probe composition for detecting multiple sequences in a single assay

Method and composition for detecting one or more selected polynucleotide regions in a target polynucleotide. In the method, a mixture of sequence-specific probes are reacted with the target polynucleotide under hybridization conditions, and the hybridized probes are treated to selectively modify those probes which are bound to the target polynucleotide in a base-specific manner. The resulting labeled probes include a polymer chain which imparts to each different-sequence probe, a distinctive ratio of charge/translational frictional drag, and a detectable label. The labeled probes are fractionated by electrophoresis in a non-sieving matrix, and the presence of one or more selected sequences in the target polynucleotide are detected according to the observed electrophoretic migration rates of the labeled probes in a non-sieiving medium.

Kits for DNA sequencing employing a mixed DNA-polymer chain probe

Method and composition for detecting one or more selected polynucleotide regions in a target polynucleotide. In practicing the method, a plurality of different-sequence probe pairs are added to a target polynucleotide, where each probe pair includes two polynucleotide probe elements which are complementary in sequence to adjacent portions of a selected one of the target sequences in the target polynucleotide. In each probe pair, one of the probe elements contains a non-polynucleotide polymer chain which imparts a distinctive elctrophoretic mobility in a sieving matrix, to the associated probe pair, when the elements in the pair are ligated. The other element in the pair contains a detectable reporter label. After the probe pairs have been allowed to hybridize with the target polynucleotide, the hybridized polynucleotides are treated under conditions effective to ligate the end subunits of target-bound probe elements when their end subunits are base-paired with adjacent target bases. The ligated probe pairs are then released from the target polynucleotide and separated electrophoretically in a sieving matrix, or chromatographically.

Emily Susan Winn-Deen

Papers

Method of DNA sequencing employing a mixed DNA-polymer chain probe

Method and probe composition for detecting multiple sequences in a single assay

Kits for DNA sequencing employing a mixed DNA-polymer chain probe

Probe method and composition for detecting different dna sequences