Valigene Corporation

Valigen (us), Inc.

Robert E Wagner, Jr

A method for detecting mutations, such as a single base change or an addition or deletion of about one to four base pairs, is based on the use of an immobilized DNA mismatch-binding protein, such as MutS, which binds to a nucleic acid hybrid having a single base mismatch or unpaired base or bases, thereby allowing the detection of mutations involving as little as one base change in a nucleotide sequence. Such a method is useful for diagnosing a variety of important disease states or susceptibilities, including the presence of a mutated oncogene and the presence of DNA containing triplet repeat sequences which characterize several genetic diseases including fragile X syndrome. The present method is used to isolate or remove by affinity chromatography duplex DNA molecules containing mismatches such as error-containing molecules in PCR-amplified DNA samples. Methods for detecting and enriching minority sequences are disclosed. Also provided are compositions and kits useful for practicing the methods of the present invention.

Methods for detection of a triplet repeat block and a functional mismatch binding protein in a biological fluid sample

Use of immobilized mismatch binding protein for detection of mutations

A method for detecting mutations, such as a single base change or an addition or deletion of about one to four base pairs, is based on the use of an immobilized DNA mismatch-binding protein, such as MutS, which binds to a nucleic acid hybrid having a single base mismatch or unpaired base or bases, thereby allowing the detection of mutations involving as little as one base change in a nucleotide sequence. Such a method is useful for diagnosing a variety of important disease states or susceptibilities, including the presence of a mutated oncogene and the presence of DNA containing triplet repeat sequences which characterize several genetic diseases including fragile X syndrome. The present method is used to isolate or remove by affinity chromatography duplex DNA molecules containing mismatches such as error-containing molecules in PCR-amplified DNA samples. Also provided are compositions and kits useful for practicing the methods of the present invention.

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Fort Collins, CO, United States of America

Robert E Wagner, Jr