MOLECULAR BEACONS - PROBES THAT FLUORESCE UPON HYBRIDIZATION

We have developed novel nucleic acid probes that recognize and report the presence of specific nucleic acids in homogeneous solutions. These probes undergo a spontaneous fluorogenic conformational change when t hey hybridize to their targets. Only perfectly complementary targets e licit this response, as hybridization does not occur when the target c ontains a mismatched nucleotide or a deletion. The probes are particul arly suited for monitoring the synthesis of specific nucleic acids in real time. When used in nucleic acid amplification assays, gene detect ion is homogeneous and sensitive, and can be carried out in a sealed t ube. When introduced into living cells, these probes should enable the origin, movement, and fate of specific mRNAs to be traced.