Methods and kits for fractionating a population of DNA molecules based on the presence or absence of a base-pair mismatch utilizing mismatch repair systems

摘要

A diagnostic method for detecting a base pair mismatch in a DNA duplex, comprising the steps of contacting at least one strand of a first DNA molecule with the complementary strand of a second DNA molecule under conditions such that base pairing occurs contacting a DNA duplex potentially containing a base pair mismatch with a mispair recognition protein under conditions suitable for the protein to form a specific complex only with the DNA duplex having a base pair mismatch, and not with a DNA duplex lacking a base pair mismatch, and detecting any complex as a measure of the presence of a base pair mismatch in the DNA duplex.