ISOLATION OF FACTORS THAT ASSOCIATE DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY WITH CHROMATIN

摘要

Methods for isolating non-coding nucleic acids that are associated with chromatin at a target genomic locus are provided. The methods comprise the steps of obtaining a sample that comprises a target genomic DNA sequence and one or more non-coding nucleic acids associated with that DNA sequence; contacting the sample with at least one oligonucleotide probe that comprises a sequence that is complimentary to and capable of hybridising with at least a portion of the target DNA sequence, wherein the oligonucleotide probe comprises at least one modified nucleotide analogue and wherein the oligonucleotide probe further comprises at least one affinity label; allowing the at least one oligonucleotide probe and the target DNA sequence to hybridise with each other so as to form a probe-target hybrid; isolating the probe-target hybrid from the sample by immobilizing the probe-target hybrid through a molecule that binds to the at least one affinity label; and eluting the one or more non-coding nucleic acids that are associated with the target genomic DNA sequence. Also provided are probes suitable for use in the methods of the invention. The methods and probes of the invention are suited to identification of non-coding RNAs including microRNAs and snoRNAs that are associated with chromatin remodelling.