| 摘要 |
Disclosed is a method of detecting multiple analytes in a sample in a single assay. The method is based on encoding target molecules with signals followed by decoding of the encoded signal. This encoding/decoding uncouples the detection of a target molecule from the chemical and physical properties of the target molecule. In basic form, the disclosed method involves association of one or more reporter molecules with one or more target samples, association of one or more decoding tags with the reporter molecules, and detection of the decoding tags. The reporter molecules associate with target molecules in the target sample(s). Generally, the reporter molecules correspond to one or more target molecules, and the decoding tags correspond to one or more reporter molecules. Thus, detection of particular decoding tags indicates the presence of the corresponding reporter molecules. In turn, the presence of particular reporter molecules indicates the presence of the corresponding target molecules. The sensitivity of the disclosed method can also be enhanced by including a signal amplification step prior to detection. Medical applications of this method include the analysis of the phenotypic status or replicative status of cells (growth or quiescence) and the assessment of normal and neoplastic cells in histologic or cytologic specimens in normal and disease states. For example, a pathologist may use the method to link a phenotypic state with the protein profile of lesion believed to contain malignant or pre-malignant cells. |
