DETECTION OF NUCLEIC ACIDS BY MULTIPLE SEQUENTIAL INVASIVE CLEAVAGES

摘要

The present invention relates to means for the detection and characterizationof nucleic acid sequences, as well as variations in nucleicacid sequences. The present invention also relates to methods for forming anucleic acid cleavage structure on a target sequence and cleavingthe nucleic acid cleavage structure in a site-specific manner. The structure-specific nuclease activity of a variety of enzymes is used tocleave the target-dependent cleavage structure, thereby indicating thepresence of specific nucleic acid sequences or specific variationsthereof. The present invention further relates to methods and devices for theseparation of nucleic acid molecules based on charge. Thepresent invention also provides methods for the detection of non-targetcleavage products via the formation of a complete and activatedprotein binding region. The invention further provides sensitive and specificmethods for the detection of nucleic acid from various virusesin a sample.