Highly sensitive genotyping using artificial riboregulator system.

Abstract

A molecular-beacon-type riboregulator (mRNA) was applied to multiply catalytic gene sensing. It consists of a reporter gene for firefly protein luciferase and, upstream thereof, a regulator hairpin domain composed of an RBS/anti-RBS stem (RBS = ribosome binding site) and a loop which is complementary to the target. The sensing of target gene, using an unmodified RNA or even dsDNA as a probe with a chemiluminescence output, was demonstrated with a sensitivity at < or = 50 fmol of the target and a single nucleotide resolution.