David Segev

US Patent:

54379776, Aug 1, 1995

Filed:

May 29, 1992

Appl. No.:

7/908584

Inventors:

David Segev - Brooklyn NY

International Classification:

C12Q 168

US Classification:

435 6

Abstract:

A method for amplifying a signal during the detection of target nucleic acid molecules utilizes a primary oligonucleotide probe that binds to a bridging nucleic acid molecule. The bridging molecule hybridizes to a first developer nucleic acid molecule. Each first developer molecule comprises: (a) a first branch having a sequence of at least two different nucleotides and at least six total nucleotides complementary to a sequence of a first branch of a second developer molecule; (b) a second branch comprising a sequence of at least two different nucleotides and at least six total nucleotides complementary to a sequence of a second branch of the second developer molecule; and (c) a detectable label. In the method, the bridging molecule binds to the primary probe and hybridizes to the first developer molecule; the bound first developer molecule hybridizes to the second developer molecule to form a developer chain; additional first and second developer molecules are added to the chain; and the labeled developer molecules in the developer chain are detected.