Adaptors for nucleic acid constructs in transmembrane sequencing

Abstract

The invention relates to adaptors for sequencing nucleic acids. The adaptors may be used to generate single stranded constructs of nucleic acid for sequencing purposes. Such constructs may contain both strands from a double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA) template. The invention also relates to the constructs generated using the adaptors, methods of making the adaptors and constructs, as well as methods of sequencing double stranded nucleic acids.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The invention relates to adaptors for sequencing nucleic acids. The adaptors may be used to generate single stranded constructs of nucleic acid for sequencing purposes. Such constructs may contain both strands from a double stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA) template. The invention also relates to the constructs generated using the adaptors, methods of making the adaptors and constructs, as well as methods of sequencing double stranded nucleic acids.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Stochastic detection is an approach to sensing that relies on the observation of individual binding events between analyte molecules and a receptor. Stochastic sensors can be created by placing a single pore of nanometer dimensions in an insulating membrane and measuring voltage-driven ionic transport through the pore in the presence of analyte molecules. The frequency of occurrence of fluctuations in the current reveals the concentration of an analy...

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Benefits of technology

[0005]The inventor(s) have surprisingly demonstrated that artificial, identifiable adaptors may be used to generate single stranded nucleic acid constructs that contain both strands of a double stranded nucleic acid template. The two strands of the template are covalently linked and delineated (divided) by an adaptor. The adaptor not only allows the transition point from one strand to the other strand to be identified, but also allows the construct to be purified before it is sequenced. The adaptor may further allow the construct to be differentiated from similar constructs in which the strands have a different source. Hence, the adaptors allow multiplex sequence analysis of templates originating from separate individual sources.

[0007]The adaptors are generally used in pairs. Both types of adaptor in the pair not only comprise a region of double stranded nucleic acid that forms one half of a palindromic cleavage site, but also are differentially selectable from one another. Each pair comprises two types of adaptor; Type I and Type II. Type I adaptors comprise a hairpin loop, which allows covalent linkage of the two strands in a double stranded nucleic acid template. Type II adaptors may comprise a hairpin loop, but do not have to. This combination of features allows the generation and purification of single stranded constructs in which both strands of a double stranded nucleic acid template are covalently linked via a Type I adaptor. Unwanted constructs formed by ligation of adaptors with each other may be eliminated from the reaction mixture using the palindromic cleavage site. Similarly, constructs containing one or other of the two types of adaptor may be isolated from the reaction mixture using the adaptor's differential selectability.

Problems solved by technology

Existing technologies are slow and expensive mainly because they rely on amplification techniques to produce large volumes of nucleic acid and require a high quantity of specialist fluorescent chemicals for signal detection.

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