Design of Functional Nucleic Acid Systems for Biomolecular Analysis

Abstract

With the aim of realizing an in situ nucleic acid analysis, we have developed functional nucleic acid probes that can autonomously detect and analyze nucleic acid sequences of interest. Fluorophore-labeled artificial oligonucleotide probes with target-dependent self-ligation or self-digestion functionalities can be used to sense nucleic acids in solution, on solid supports, or even in cells. In addition, we have successfully established a new sensing system using nonmodified nucleic acids as a probe. These probes and sensors are all composed of nonmodified natural-type nucleic acids, and thus can be transcribed directly from dsDNA, giving a high potency for in situ or in-cell application.