Triggered amplification by hybridization chain reaction

作者：Robert M. Dirks, Niles A. Pierce · 发表于：Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences · 年份：2004 · DOI：10.1073/pnas.0407024101 · 被引用次数：2097 · 研究领域：Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques、DNA and Nucleic Acid Chemistry、RNA Interference and Gene Delivery

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.