This technology provides a method using labeled primers or probes for nucleic acid target detection with single molecule sensitivity.
Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), or single nucleotide changes in DNA, are frequently used as unique biomarkers for diseases and personalized medicine. Current multiplex SNP assays primarily use either mass spectrometric detection or fluorescent tags and optical detection. These methods of detecting SNPs require bulky equipment and are too costly to use to perform large scale SNP studies. Currently, there is no method available for singe molecule detection of SNPs that is both cost-effective and scalable.
This assay relies on primers or probes linked to molecular tags of varying sizes to identify specific genetic sequences, such as SNPs. These tags are then electronically differentiated at a single molecule level using a nanopore, allowing for sequence identification. This highly sensitive technology is suited for use in both a research and clinical setting as it is cost-effective, does not require bulky equipment, and can be used in a high-throughput manner. With accessible SNP identification, this technology makes it possible to characterize polymorphic areas linked to disease and allows for further development of personalized therapeutics.
This technology has been validated with a primer library targeting SNP sites.
IR CU14223
Licensing Contact: Cynthia Lang