Yin-Yang Probes

The Yin-Yang probes(Known as Displacing Probes or Double-stranded Probes) can specifically detect nucleic acid in a homogeneous format. The Yin-Yang Probes is composed of two complementary oligonucleotides of different length. The longer positive strand is labeled with a fluorophore and the shorter negative strand is labeled with a quencher; the probe is non-fluorescent due to the close proximity of the fluorophore and the quencher. In the presence of target the negative strand is displaced by the target and the fluorophore becomes fluorescent.

Features of Yin-Yang Probes:

• Simple and easy design: Probe design itself is much easier compared with current dual-dye-labeled probes or adjacently hybridizing probes.
• Cost effective synthesis: 1/5 of the cost of current single stranded probes.
• High specificity: can discriminate single nucleotide mismatch.
• High sensitivity: as little as 7.5 pg target DNA can be detected with Yin-Yang probe.
• Multiplexing: simultaneous detection of multiple clinically related genes.
• Spontaneity of reaction: applications for biosensors, biochip detection, mRNA tracking.

References

• Specific double-stranded probes for homogeneous detection of nucleic acid and their application methods; Patent No. US 7799522; Patent Date: Sep. 21, 2010
• A new class of homogeneous nucleic acid probes based on specific displacement hybridization. Li Q, Luan G, Guo Q, Liang J., Nucleic Acids Res. 2002 Jan 15;30(2):E5.
• Real-time PCR genotyping using displacing probes.Cheng J, Zhang Y, Li Q. Nucleic Acids Res. 2004 Apr 15;32(7):e61.
• Real-time PCR detection of multiple lamivudine-resistant mutations with displacing probes in a single tube. Wen H, Li Q. J ClinVirol. 2007 Apr;38(4):334-40. Epub 2007 Feb 27.
• Multicolor real-time polymerase chain reaction genotyping of six human platelet antigens using displacing probes.Ruan L, Pei B, Li Q., Transfusion. 2007 Sep;47(9):1637-42.
• Real-time PCR genotyping of aldehyde dehydrogenase-2 using displacing probes.Gu Y, Li Q. ClinBiochem. 2007 Nov;40(16-17):1325-7. Epub 2007 Aug 10.
• Multicolor real-time PCR genotyping of ABO system using displacing probes.Ruan L, Zhao H, Li Q. J Forensic Sci. 2010 Jan;55(1):19-24. Epub 2009 Dec 2.
• Molecular diagnosis and targeted therapy of a pediatric chronic eosinophilic leukemia patient carrying TPM3-PDGFRB fusion. Li Z, Yang R, Zhao J, Yuan R, Lu Q, Li Q, Tse W. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2011 Mar;56(3):463-6.