Methods for detection of a target nucleic acid by capture using multi-subunit probes

Abstract

The invention relates to generating a signal indicative of a target nucleic acid sequence, comprising forming a complex by incubating a sample comprising a target nucleic acid sequence with a probe comprising a first and second subunit, and a binding moiety, and dissociating the first and second subunit to release the first subunit and generate a signal. The invention also relates to a method of generating a signal indicative of the presence of a target nucleic acid sequence in a sample, comprising forming a complex by incubating a target nucleic acid sequence, an upstream primer and a probe comprising a first and second subunit, and a binding moiety. The primer is extended with a nucleic acid polymerase to displace a portion of the first subunit from the target nucleic acid strand thereby dissociating the first subunit from the second subunit to release the first subunit and generate a signal.