Recent Articles

Tyagi S, Landegren U, Tazi M, Lizardi PM, Kramer FR. (1996).
Extremely sensitive, background-free gene detection using binary probes and beta replicase.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1996 May 28;93(11):5395-400
PMID: 8643586

We have developed a specific and sensitive nucleic acid amplification assay that is suitable for routine gene detection. The assay is based on a novel molecular genetic strategy in which two different RNA probes are hybridized to adjacent positions on a target nucleic acid and then ligated to form an amplifiable reporter RNA. The reporter RNA is then replicated up to a hundred billion-fold in a 30-min isothermal reaction that signals the presence of the target. The assay can detect fewer than 100 nucleic acid molecules; it provides quantitative results over a wide range of target concentrations and it employs a universal format that can detect any infectious agent.