Triggered Amplification by Hybridization Chain Reaction

We introduce the concept of hybridization chain reaction (HCR), in which stable DNA monomers assemble only upon exposure to a target DNA fragment. In the simplest version of this process, two stable species of DNA hairpins coexist in solution until the introduction of initiator strands triggers a ca...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences - PNAS 2004-10, Vol.101 (43), p.15275-15278
Main Authors: Dirks, Robert M., Pierce, Niles A., Mayo, Stephen L.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Base Sequence
Biochemistry
DNA
DNA - genetics
Electrophoresis, Agar Gel
Fluorescence
Gels
Kinetics
Monomers
Nucleic Acid Hybridization
Nucleic acids
Physical Sciences
Polymerization
Room temperature
Single stranded DNA
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Summary:We introduce the concept of hybridization chain reaction (HCR), in which stable DNA monomers assemble only upon exposure to a target DNA fragment. In the simplest version of this process, two stable species of DNA hairpins coexist in solution until the introduction of initiator strands triggers a cascade of hybridization events that yields nicked double helices analogous to alternating copolymers. The average molecular weight of the HCR products varies inversely with initiator concentration. Amplification of more diverse recognition events can be achieved by coupling HCR to aptamer triggers. This functionality allows DNA to act as an amplifying transducer for biosensing applications.
ISSN:0027-8424
1091-6490
DOI:10.1073/pnas.0407024101