Subtractive hybridization and capture methods and kits for differential

Abstract

The invention disclosed here allows for the differential isolation of nucleic acid sequences that are present in one nucleic acid population and not in another. The method is based upon using restriction endonucleases to digest two populations of nucleic acid, preferably cDNAs, preferably ligating different sets of adaptors to each of the two nucleic acid populations, followed by hybridization, restriction digestion and isolation of the desired molecules. The unique aspects of this invention include the use of a restriction enzyme to isolate the target duplex DNA molecule from a hybridization mixture. Certain embodiments of the invention include the direct or indirect incorporation of a capture molecule or ligand (e.g., biotin, dioxigenin) within the amplified nucleic acid fragments, which allows for a system in which molecules can be rescued from both the captured population as well as the effluent or otherwise uncaptured population.