摘要 |
<p>The present invention is directed to a method of amplifying and detecting single or double stranded target nucleic acid molecules. Amplification of the target nucleic acid molecule is accomplished by using at least two chemically modified oligonucleotide probes per target nucleic acid molecule to form a joined oligonucleotide product. Each oligonucleotide probe is comprised of a long and short sequence. The long sequence of each probe hybridizes to adjacent regions of the target nucleic acid molecule. The short sequences of each probe hybridize to each other. Chemical functionality groups attached to the short sequences of each oligonucleotide probe covalently combine linking the probes to form a joined oligonucleotide product. The joined oligonucleotide product is formed without the use of enzymes. The reactivity of the chemical functionality groups on each probe is target dependent. Only when the short sequences of adjacent probes are hybridized to each other are the chemical functionality groups on the probes brought into close enough proximity to form a covalent bond and join the probes to form a joined oligonucleotide product.</p> |