QUADRUPLEX METHOD

摘要

The invention relates to a new method of determining in a sample the presence, absence or concentration of one or more target analytes, such as micro-ribonucleic acids (microRNAs or miRNAs). The invention may therefore relate to a multiplex assay for determining the presence or absence of each target analyte in a group of multiple analytess. The invention uses one or more probes comprising a quadruplex and transmembrane pores.

主权项

1. A method of determining in a sample the presence or absence of a target analyte, the method comprising:
(a) contacting the target analyte with a transmembrane pore and a probe, wherein the probe comprises (i) a section which is capable of translocating through the pore and which specifically binds to the target analyte, (ii) at least one sequence which is capable of forming a quadruplex, wherein the quadruplex is not capable of translocating through the narrowest part of the pore, and (iii) at least one region which is capable of entering the narrowest part of the pore when the quadruplex formed by sequence (ii) cannot and which affects the current flowing through the pore in a distinctive manner; and (b) measuring the current flowing through the pore to determine whether or not the probe has bound to the target analyte and thereby determining the presence or absence of the target analyte in the sample.