Hoffmann-la Roche Inc.

Francis Muller

Dieter Schmidt

Wilhelm Bannwarth

A process for the detection of a nucleic acid sequence in a homogeneous assay format using an energy transfer system is disclosed. This process utilizes a 5' labeled primer containing a selfcomplementary sequence in an amplification or extension process together with a subsequent detection step using a 3' labeled probe for the amplified or extended region. The labels will be close together in space after hybridizing the probe close to the short piece of double-stranded DNA resulting from backfolding of the selfcomplementary region of the primer which has been incorporated into the amplified or extended product. A new primer for use in this process is also disclosed.

Detection of nucleic acids using a hairpin forming oligonucleotide

Energy-transfer systems which can be used, inter alia, for measuring distances within or between different molecules are described, comprising derivatives of lumazine and ruthenium, in particular derivatives of DNA or RNA sequences.

Ruthenium-lumazine energy transfer systems

The invention relates to a ruthenium complex having the formula

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Basel, Switzerland

Francis Muller