EP3559275A1

EP3559275A1 - Two-part mediator probe

Info

Publication number: EP3559275A1
Application number: EP17826176.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Trotter; Simon Wadle; Felix Von Stetten; Lisa BECHERER
Original assignee: Hann-Schickard-Gesellschaft fuer Angewandte Forschung eV; Albert Ludwigs Universitaet Freiburg
Current assignee: Hann-Schickard-Gesellschaft fuer Angewandte Forschung eV; Albert Ludwigs Universitaet Freiburg
Priority date: 2016-12-23
Filing date: 2017-12-15
Publication date: 2019-10-30
Also published as: KR20190135468A; CA3049833A1; BR112019012925A2; US20230407376A1; ZA201904013B; JP7299154B2; WO2018114674A1; CN110536968A; JP2020503030A; KR102523355B1; US20190376126A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a mediator probe for detecting at least one target molecule, comprising at least two oligonucleotides. A first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe according to the invention comprises a probe region and a mediator binding region, wherein the probe region has an affinity for a target molecule and/or template molecule, and the mediator binding region has an affinity for at least one mediator. At least one additional oligonucleotide of the mediator probe is a mediator which is bound to the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe via the mediator binding region and has an affinity for at least one detection molecule. The mediator triggers a detectable signal after the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe is released by interacting with the detection molecule. The invention additionally relates to a system comprising at least one mediator probe according to the invention and at least one detection module and to a method for detecting at least one target molecule.

Description

SECONDARY MEDIATOR PROBE

DESCRIPTION

introduction

The present invention relates to a mediator probe comprising at least two

Oligonucleotides for the detection of at least one target molecule. A first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe according to the invention comprises a probe region and a

Mediatorbinderegion, wherein the probe region has an affinity for a target molecule and / or template molecule, and the Mediatorbinderegion has an affinity for at least one mediator. At least one further oligonucleotide of the mediator probe is a mediator bound via the mediator binding region to the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe and having affinity for at least one detection molecule, the mediator upon release from the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe by interaction with the detection molecule being a detectable signal triggers. In addition, the present invention relates to a system comprising at least one mediator probe according to the invention and at least one detection molecule, and to a method for detecting at least one target molecule.

State of the art

DNA amplifications are used, inter alia, in clinical diagnostics for the study of diseases. DNA amplification produces a high number of copies of the desired target sequence so that an initial small amount of DNA can be visualized.

The amplification of DNA can be carried out by various methods. In addition to the PCR, in which thermally between about 60 ° C and 95 ° C must be recycled, isothermal amplification methods, such as LAMP (62 ° C) or RPA (39 ° C), are used. For real-time DNA amplification and detection of DNA amplification

Amplification products have different approaches. bioluminescence,

Chemiluminescence, turbidity measurements and fluorescence-based detection methods make it possible, among other things, to detect and quantify the DNA to be examined. Much of the above methods are only capable of detecting the total amount of amplified DNA in the sample and can not distinguish between different target sequences. These methods are therefore only suitable for so-called single-plex detection. Fluorescence-based as well as luminescence and electrochemical and further detection methods open up further application possibilities. Next intercalating detection molecules, which interact nonspecifically with DNA strands, modified oligonucleotides are used. The latter can be used for target sequence-specific analyzes, while intercalating detection molecules often lead to false-positive detection of nonspecific by-products. In clinical analysis and in vitro diagnostics, it makes sense to be able to detect several target molecules in parallel within a reaction, since, for example, many diseases can be caused by different bacteria or viruses. Accordingly, multianalyte proofs are of great importance, for which a few examples are listed below: For example, not only ABO genotyping is relevant for blood group determination, but also the creation of the human neutrophil antigen profile (HNA), which determines blood and tissue transfusions must become. Parallel testing of blood donor samples for HIV variants and hepatitis B and C viruses is also routinely performed using immunoassays or nucleic acid-based techniques. The specific detection of pathogens requires the determination of several genomic loci in order to enable a diagnosis derived from this after short analysis times.

The activity determination of different marker and control genes allows the creation of an expression profile. This can be used, for example, to identify oncogenes that affect cell division and differentiation and are therefore closely correlated to cancers or to make predictions about the efficacy of certain drugs depending on the genotype of the patient (Personalized Medicine). Frequently represented hereditary diseases can also be detected in molecular biological (prenatal) diagnostics, which include u.a. Cystic fibrosis (cystic fibrosis), phenylketonuria (metabolic disorder) and thalassemia (erythrocyte degradation). Furthermore, the common detection of inflammatory markers, such as

Procalcitonin or cytokines, a conclusion on the severity of an infection.

If, as in the above examples, the diagnostic problem requires the analysis of several target molecules, genetic loci or other markers, as well as internal controls or references, then methods that allow only the determination of a single parameter per analysis are generally less meaningful , On the other hand, if different individual analyzes are carried out in parallel to record several parameters, this is uneconomical: The sample solution must be divided into several reaction mixtures in which different target molecules are detected. A problem that arises is that by dividing the sample solutions into n aliquots, the amount of substance in the Single reaction is reduced by a factor of 1 / n, whereby the sensitivity of the detection reaction is lowered accordingly.

To circumvent these disadvantages, homogeneous or heterogeneous reaction mixtures are prepared for the detection of several parameters, in which different target molecules are detected in parallel. Here are different, marked for the detection

Oligonucleotides are used which bind specifically to the target molecule to be detected. In the described direct dependence between labeled oligonucleotide and target molecule, the problem arises that the use of a new probe is required when a new experimental problem arises, e.g. a different genotype of a virus is to be detected. This makes it necessary for each new one

experimental problem to develop new, labeled oligonucleotides for detection. This is time consuming and required for the proof

Modifications to the oligonucleotides are associated with high costs.

As an alternative to the parallel detection of different target sequences in homogeneous reaction mixtures, oligonucleotides can be immobilized on a solid phase for detection (heterogeneous detection). Depending on the signaling position on the solid phase can be deduced the presence of certain target sequences. In this case, again occurs in the direct dependence between labeled oligonucleotide and target molecule, the problem that the immobilized oligonucleotides must be adapted to the experimental question. Accordingly, new oligonucleotides must again be immobilized on a solid phase for each new experimental problem. This is very time consuming due to the complex manufacturing process.

From the disadvantageous use of target sequence-specific oligonucleotides with

Markers for detection or at different positions of a solid phase reveal the need for a universal detection method which

sequence-specific and yet cost-effective. In a universal method, the sequence of the signal-generating oligonucleotides (detection molecules) is independent of the target sequence to be detected. For different target sequences, the same, already optimized, signal-generating oligonucleotides can be used. Consequently, working time and thus labor costs can be saved as the signal-generating

Oligonucleotides do not need to be readjusted for each detection reaction.

Sequence-specific, universal detection methods are already known, but they have some disadvantages. Above all, enzymes are used which are compatible only with certain amplification methods, usually non-isothermal amplification methods. These include, for example, the multi-analyte reporter system according to Faltin et al. 2012 and the use of universal duplex probes according to Yang et al. 2008. In the above methods, an enzyme, such as a polymerase, with

Nuclease activity mandatory, but with the LAMP or RPA the

used polymerases do not possess this nuclease activity. So-called beach displacement polymerases are rarely used in sequence-specific, universal detection. In addition, in the method according to Yang et al. 2008, the danger that false-positive signals are generated.

WO 2013079307 A1 describes a method which can be used universally for the detection of at least one target molecule with the aid of a system which comprises a mediator probe and a universal reporter molecule. In a mediator release by cleavage, an enzyme with nuclease activity is necessary. In a PCR has in most

Embodiments, the polymerase this nuclease activity, which is why in this

Amplification method no additional enzymes are needed. At isothermal

Amplification methods, however, such as in LAMP or RPA, or in a PCDR, the polymerases used do not have this nuclease activity. Thus, mediator release by cleavage is possible only by the addition of enzymes which have nuclease activity. A disadvantage is that additional enzymes interact with other components in the reaction mix and thus the efficiency of the

Can affect detection reaction. In addition, the need for additional enzymes increases the cost of the reaction mix for the detection reaction. In addition, the use of additional enzymes adds additional work to optimizing the detection reaction under the altered conditions.

US 2016/0312271 A1 describes a method which can be used universally for the detection of at least one target molecule with the aid of a system which comprises a cleavable probe and a universal detection molecule. In the method according to US 2016/0312271 A1, the detection reaction is analogous to WO 2013079307 A1 by cleavage of a

Triggered oligonucleotide. Accordingly, the same drawback occurs that enzymes with nuclease activity are necessary.

The prior art also describes methods using primers comprising a hairpin sequence, as well as covalently bonded fluorophores or bound fluorescently labeled probes. In addition, a second, fluorescently labeled probe is used, which can bind to the amplicon and interact with the first fluorophore. The target sequence-specific hairpin sequence, as well as the target sequence-specific second probe lead to the disadvantage that the

Fluorophores are not attached to universal sequence sections and therefore none universal applicability of this method is given. The signal generation must therefore be optimized separately for new detection reaction. In addition, the additional second probe poses a risk when using Strand Displacement Polymerases, since a first probe bound to the primer can be extended and thus displace the second probe.

At this point, the sequence-specific detection of amplification products using Strand Displacement polymerases in a LAMP according to Tanner et al. To mention 2012. In this detection method, fluorescence donor and fluorescence acceptor are bound to target sequence-specific oligonucleotides, which is why this method is not universal and therefore has the disadvantage that for each new

Detection reaction the detection must be optimized.

Furthermore, detection methods based on molecular beacons have been described which contain primer sequences and thus have target sequence-specific regions. A disadvantage arises again from the dependence on the target sequence, because the signal-generating labels are located on target sequence-specific

Oligonucleotides, which is why this detection method is not universally applicable. In addition, the fluorescence yield as well as the equilibrium between closed and open conformation of the molecular beacon depends on the primer sequence. The

Detection reaction must therefore be optimized separately for each new detection reaction. The universal technologies described in the literature using Strand Displacement polymerases also have some disadvantages.

For example, using a primer-hybridized molecular beacon according to Li et al. 2006 or CN 101328498 A there is a risk that the stability of the hairpin structure of the Molecular Beacon will lead to the generation of a false-positive signal in the absence of the target molecule (Li et al., 2007). In addition, this was

Detection method previously used only in amplification reactions via PCR. The

Function when using isothermal amplification methods is not proven and the stability of the hairpin structure, which is even more pronounced at lower temperatures (LAMP, RPA), argues against the use of this method in combination with isothermal amplification. The use of universal, fluorescently labeled primers according to G.J. Nuovo et al. 1999 again entails the risk of being unspecific

Amplification products hybridization of the universal primer can also lead to a false-positive signal generation.

None of the prior art methods allow parallel detection

various molecules and classes of molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids in one A step in which a combined DNA-RNA-protein profile of a sample could be generated.

For diagnostic questions that require analyzes of several different target molecules from different substance classes, detection methods are advantageous, which can detect different substance classes, such as proteins and nucleic acids, side by side. The detection methods described in the literature, which permit the simultaneous detection of several classes of molecules, are either not universally applicable methods (Das et al., 2012) or additionally have the disadvantage that the detection reaction has to be carried out in several stages (Linardy et al. 2016), which requires a great deal of work and time in the implementation.

Thus, there is a need for a sequence-specific, universal detection method that can simultaneously detect multiple analytes and obviate the disadvantages of the prior art methods. In addition, it requires one

Detection method that can be used for various amplification methods, regardless of whether the latter is isothermal or non-isothermal.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mediator probe, as well as a system and a method for the detection of at least one target molecule, which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art described above.

Accordingly, the object was a mediator probe and a method

provide, by essentially a simultaneous, universal and / or

sequence-specific detection of multiple analytes of different classes of molecules is made possible.

General description of the invention

The problem is solved by the independent claims. advantageous

Embodiments emerge from the subclaims.

According to the invention, the present technical problem is solved by providing a two-part mediator probe for the detection of at least one target molecule.

The mediator probe according to the invention for the detection of at least one target molecule comprises at least two oligonucleotides and is characterized in that

a) a first oligonucleotide comprises a probe region and a mediator binding region, wherein

the probe region has an affinity for a target molecule and / or

Having template molecule, and the mediator binding region has an affinity for at least one mediator, and

b) at least one further oligonucleotide is a mediator which

o is bound via the Mediatorbinderegion to the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe, and

o has an affinity for at least one detection molecule, wherein the mediator triggers a detectable signal after release from the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe by interaction with the detection molecule.

A mediator probe according to the invention thus comprises a first molecule or

An oligonucleotide comprising a mediator binding region and a probe region, and a second molecule or oligonucleotide, the mediator. The probe region of the first molecule has an affinity for the target molecule and / or template molecule and the

Mediator binding region has an affinity for the mediator or mediators. A template molecule is used when the probe region can not interact directly with the target molecule. Thus, a template molecule serves as a mediator between the target molecule and the probe region.

The mediator is after binding of the probe region to a target molecule and / or

Template molecule of the Mediatorbinderegion by a molecule, preferably an enzyme with DNA strand-separating effect and in certain versions with additional

polymerizing effect, preferably a Strand Displacement Polymerase, displaced. Interaction of the mediator with a detection molecule triggers a detectable signal. A strand displacement polymerase has strand displacement activity and displaces the strand complementary to the amplified strand during amplification. It was completely surprising that it was through skillful exploitation of the universal

Applicability of the mediator probe is possible to use these for the detection of different target molecules. It is surprisingly possible to detect several target molecules simultaneously in a sample using several mediator probes according to the invention. The mediator probe according to the invention enables a universal sequence-dependent detection of any desired nucleic acid sequences of the target molecule and / or

Template molecule. In this case, a detection molecule can be used which has a solid design independent of the target sequence or probe region of the mediator probe.

Surprisingly, it is possible that the release of the mediator and the subsequent signal generation by interaction with a detection molecule can be applied to different amplification methods and are not limited to specific systems. By skillfully exploiting the respective conditions in various amplification methods, the above mediator release can easily be adapted to the respective system.

In the prior art there are various systems for the detection of

Nucleic acid target sequences based on labeled oligonucleotide probes or primers. However, these methods are in contrast to the one described here

method according to the invention, based on the system according to the invention and the

Mediator probe according to the invention, no universal detection methods that can be performed independently of the target sequence with different target-specific molecules.

Often, in the prior art, the signal-generating modifications, such as fluorophore and quencher, are attached to target sequence-specific oligonucleotides (primers). The signal-generating molecule in these cases can not for different

Detection reactions are used because it must be individually designed and optimized for each target molecule. A great advantage of the present invention over the prior art is therefore the universal applicability of the signal-generating universal detection molecules called in connection with the mediator probe according to the invention. These universal reporter molecules contain signal generating molecules, but no target sequence specific sections. The universal reporter molecules can be used to detect different target molecules without having to redesign or optimize the reporter molecules for this purpose. It just has to be the two-part one

Mediator probe be adjusted. The mediator probe according to the invention also has a simplified primer design. The oligonucleotides used as primers do not have to be capable of fluorescence unlike prior art systems

Contain molecules or linker molecules, nor do they contain a second target sequence specific region.

During the amplification process, in prior art methods, the fluorophore and quencher-labeled residue of the primer is again displaced from the target molecule by the strand-displacing polymerase, thus reentering the signal

initial state and thus does not guarantee a sustainable signal change. In addition, in many detection methods of the prior art, an enzyme with

Nuclease activity mandatory, for example, a polymerase, but with the preferred in the context of the present invention LAMP or RPA the used polymerases do not possess this nuclease activity. According to the invention, a nuclease activity is preferably not necessary, which is why isothermal

Amplification method can be used. On the other hand, many prior art detection methods can not be used in the isothermal amplification method, e.g. LAMP can be used.

In contrast to methods of the prior art, the cleavage of the mediator probe preferably does not occur in the method according to the invention. The mediator probe is in two parts in contrast to the described system, so that the release of the mediator can be carried out without cleavage of a covalent bond by displacement. This advantageously provides real-time detection of a target molecule in an isothermal

Amplification reaction possible in which no polymerase is used with nuclease activity. In addition, the use of multiple mediators per Mediatorsonde the

Detection signal are amplified, and the different mediators of a probe can generate different detection signals. According to the invention, only a specific binding site to the target molecule is necessary even if several mediators are used per mediator probe. In contrast, prior art systems or methods of the prior art require the use of multiple complete mediator probe systems if multiple mediators are to be released.

Systems are known in the art which contain primers with a target molecule-specific sequence and can hybridize with a fluorophore-labeled probe. in the

In contrast to these methods, however, the mediator of the two-part mediator probe according to the invention preferably carries no markings for signal generation. If a fluorophore is bound to a primer by hybridization through a separate probe, then the fluorophore may still be affected by the target sequence-specific portion of the primer. If guanine bases are present in the primer sequence, the

Fluorescence yield of the fluorophore are negatively affected by the guanine bases. This results in an influence / dependence of the fluorescence yield of the fluorophore on a separate probe by target sequence-specific sections in the primer sequence. In addition, in most cases no universal sequence detection molecule is used. The prior art also describes primers having a hairpin-forming sequence and a fluororephor covalently or bound by a hybridized probe. Here, the hairpin sequence contains a second target sequence-specific region.

However, the first part of the mediator probe according to the invention preferably contains only one target sequence-specific region or sequence. In addition, the mediator probe according to the invention preferably contains no hairpin sequence and only one target sequence. specific region. In addition, known systems require next to a primer and often two additional labeled probes, where at least one probe is target sequence-specific. Thus, such primer / probe system consist of two or three molecules with target molecule specific sequence. In contrast, however, the mediator probe according to the invention preferably comprises only one molecule with a target molecule-specific sequence. In addition, in certain embodiments, the mediator probe contains no label. In addition, the mediator preferably also contains no target molecule-specific sequence.

The present invention, in view of the known art, is a completely novel and surprising development. The prior art does not disclose similar detection systems that work with strand-displacing activity of enzymes. Rather, detection methods are described there which can proceed under PCR conditions with polymerases which have no strand-displacing activity.

It is quite surprising that according to the invention a mediator probe, a system and a method have been developed which make use of the active displacement of the mediator by an enzyme with strand-displacing action. Many prior art processes rely on the nuclease activity of the polymerases used, which is imperative. There is no obvious correlation between the cleavage and displacement reaction. In addition, it is not obvious or obvious for a person skilled in the art to adapt known methods which use the nuclease activity of polymerases to function with displacing enzymes, since a large number of reaction conditions must be changed or recombined differently for this purpose.

It is also not obvious to a person skilled in the art, known universal

To combine detection methods with known methods in which hybridized target sequence-specific primers and target sequence-specific probes will be used without a universal detection principle is applied.

The advantages of the mediator probe according to the invention presented here apply in particular to the preferred embodiments of the mediator probe, the system according to the invention and the method according to the invention.

Within the scope of the invention, detection of a target molecule is understood to mean that the presence of the target molecule in the sample to be examined is detected quantitatively or qualitatively. According to the invention, a target molecule is a molecule whose

Presence should be detected or detected in a sample. It is a biomolecule such as, without limitation, a nucleic acid molecule, a protein, a peptide, a sugar molecule, a lipid, or combinations of these molecules such as glycosylated proteins or other glycosylated biomolecules.

The term nucleic acids according to the present invention includes, without limitation, DNA, RNA, PNA, ssDNA, dsDNA, RNA, mRNA, tRNA, IncRNA, ncRNA, microRNA, siRNA, rRNA, sgRNA, piRNA, rmRNA, snRNA, snoRNA, scaRNA , gRNA, viral RNA, or modified RNA, such as LNA. Oligonucleotides for the purposes of the present invention are nucleic acid molecules of relatively short length, comprising approximately up to 200 nucleotides. Oligonucleotides can be combined with other molecules or chemical groups, e.g.

Fluoreszenzdonoren and / or fluorescence acceptors and block groups, covalently and non-covalently connected. Sugar molecules for the purposes of the present invention are in particular carbohydrates or saccharides and include mono-, di-, oligo- and polysaccharides. Glycosylation describes a series of enzymatic or chemical reactions in which carbohydrates are bound to proteins, lipids or other aglycones. The resulting

Reaction product is called glycoside, in the case of proteins as glycoprotein or

Peptidoglycan, in the case of lipids called glycolipids.

For the purposes of the invention, the term "lipids" designates water-insoluble (hydrophobic) substances that dissolve very well in hydrophobic (or lipophilic) solvents because of their low polarity Most biological lipids are amphiphilic, ie have a lipophilic hydrocarbon radical and a polar hydrophilic head group, therefore they form micelles or membranes in polar solvents such as water The group of lipids comprises in particular fatty acids, triacylglycerides (fats and fatty oils), waxes, phospholipids, sphingolipids, lipopolysaccharides and isoprenoids (steroids, carotenoids etc.).

The probe region is preferably complementary to a portion of the target molecule and / or template molecule. The probe region of the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe binds to a target molecule and / or template molecule. The binding occurs via the probe region of the mediator probe, since it has an affinity for the target molecule and / or template molecule. The mediator binding region does not have an affinity to the

Template molecule and does not have to have a complementary sequence section.

The mediator preferably has a complementary region to a portion of a detection molecule. The mediator binds to a detection molecule, creating a detectable signal is triggered. By the detectable signal conclusions about the presence of the target molecule or template molecule can be drawn. In this case, the template molecule itself may be the target molecule to be detected, or it may be associated with it, so that information about the presence of the target molecule can be generated via the template molecule.

The detection molecule according to the invention is an oligonucleotide with which the target molecule can interact indirectly and if necessary by processing a detection reaction (e.g.

Change a fluorescence signal, electrochemical signal or mass). A template molecule is a nucleic acid molecule that can be used when the reagents used for the detection method of the invention, e.g. Primer or probes or the mediator probe according to the invention, can not interact directly with the target molecule. A template molecule can therefore be used as an intermediary between the target molecule and primer or probes. Most aptamers are used as template molecules.

Aptamers are oligonucleotides that, because of their structural properties, can interact with other molecules or molecular complexes or bind to them. The molecules bound by aptamers may in particular be proteins, peptides,

Sugar molecules, lipid molecules, nucleic acid molecules or molecule complexes formed from these molecules act. Aptamers can adopt different conformations in the bound and unbound state, so that depending on the conformation, for example, different sequence regions of an aptamer for interactions with complementary oligonucleotides such as primers or probes, are accessible.

An interaction in the sense of the present invention refers to the mutual interaction of different interacting molecules. This may be, for example, a covalent or non-covalent bond of two molecules, or an indirect bond mediated by one or more other molecules, for example within a molecular complex.

A detectable signal in the context of the present invention denotes any type of physically or chemically measurable change. These changes include, without limitation, cleavage, digestion, strand doubling, internal hybridization,

Phosphorylation, dephosphorylation, amidation, attachment or elimination of a chemical group, fluorescence, phosphorescence or luminescence change. In a preferred embodiment of the mediator probe according to the invention, the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe and / or the mediator does not comprise a marker for

Signal generation. A decisive advantage of such an unlabeled mediator probe is that it can be used in a method according to the invention for the detection of at least one target molecule, without incurring labor and cost expenditure for optimizing the new assay. According to this embodiment of the invention, in contrast to the prior art, the mediator probe consists of oligonucleotides which can be synthesized without technically complex modifications, e.g. Fluorescence donors and / or fluorescence acceptors and block groups can be synthesized inexpensively. For the purposes of the invention, the term label refers preferably to any atom or molecule which can be used to detect a detectable (preferably

quantifiable) signal, and which can be covalently or non-covalently bound to a nucleic acid or protein or other biomolecule. Markers can provide signals which are expressed in particular by redox reactions, luminescence,

Fluorescence, radioactivity, colorimetry, gravimetry, X-ray diffraction or absorption, magnetism, enzymatic activity and the like are detectable.

In a preferred embodiment, the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe and / or the mediator contains one or more labels for signal generation, preferably a fluorescence molecule, a redox molecule, a luminescent molecule or another signal-generating unit.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the mediator contains one or more labels for signal generation, preferably a fluorescence molecule, a redox molecule, a luminescent molecule or another signal-generating molecule or another signal-generating unit. According to this embodiment of the invention, after displacement from the mediator probe, the mediator can bind to a detection molecule which also contains at least one signal generation label, which results in a detectable signal change.

For example, the bound to the mediator probe mediator with a

Fluoreszenzdonor / acceptor be marked, which emits at a certain wavelength λι. After displacement from the mediator probe, the mediator can turn on

Detection molecule which is labeled with a fluorescence acceptor / donor which emits at a second wavelength λ 2 different from λ 1. The energy transfer of fluorescence donor via the FRET mechanism

Fluorescence acceptor leads to a detectable increase in the radiation intensity of the fluorescence acceptor, whereby the emission of λ2 can be detected. alternative For example, chemiluminescent or bioluminescent donor molecules can be used. In preferred embodiments, non-emissive fluorescence acceptors can also be used. By using detection molecules with different numbers of nucleotides, different target molecules can be distinguished by means of a melting curve analysis simultaneously in a sample.

By labeling the mediator, the universal character of the described detection method is not lost, since the mediator is a universal, target sequence-independent molecule. In further embodiments, it is also possible to use a plurality of probes or primers per target molecule to which labeled mediators are bound, wherein the sequences of the mediators and the markings may differ. For example, fluorescent dyes with different

Emission wavelengths are used.

A preferred embodiment of the mediator probe according to the invention is characterized in that the release of the mediator from the first oligonucleotide of the

Mediator probe during an amplification of the target molecule and / or template molecule takes place, to which the mediator probe is bound.

The term amplification or amplification reaction in the context of the present invention refers to the amplification of a biomolecule, preferably of a nucleic acid molecule. The amplification of nucleic acids takes place with the aid of enzymes, which are called polymerases. In the context of an amplification, the starting sequence is referred to as Amplikon and the product as Amplifikat.

In preferred embodiments of the mediator probe according to the invention, the first oligonucleotide has 1 to 200, preferably 20 to 80, particularly preferably 35 to 65 nucleotides, and the mediator 1 to 60, preferably 10 to 50, particularly preferably 15 to 40 nucleotides. According to preferred embodiments of the mediator probe according to the invention, the target molecule and / or the template molecule is a biomolecule selected from the group comprising nucleic acids, DNA, RNA, peptide, protein, aptamer and / or combinations thereof.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the target molecule is the template molecule. In other preferred embodiments, the target molecule interacts with the template molecule.

In preferred embodiments of the mediator probe according to the invention, the 3'-terminus of the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe serves as the starting point of a Amplification reaction and thus can act as a primer. This is a decisive advantage over known solutions of the prior art, because thus the mediator probe for new target molecules does not have to be completely redesigned and a probe region in the target molecule has to be selected, but it is easily possible to modify an already present primer such that it acts as a mediator probe according to the invention can act.

In another preferred embodiment of the mediator probe according to the invention, the 3'-terminus of the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe does not serve as the starting point of an amplification reaction. In the absence of the target molecule, a corresponding

Mediator probe form a hairpin structure, so that it is present in a closed form, wherein the mediator is bound to the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe. In

Presence of the target molecule binds the mediator probe to the target molecule or

Template molecule, whereby a primer, the first oligonucleotide of the now open

Mediator probe can bind. By processing with a suitable enzyme system, the annealed primer can be extended with displacement of the mediator from the mediator probe. The released mediator can with the help of a specific

Detection molecule can be detected. A preferred embodiment is shown in Example 18.

In a preferred embodiment, the first oligonucleotide of a

Mediator probe according to the invention comprise an aptamer region, a Mediatorbinderegion and a Primerbinderegion. Here, the target molecule to be detected may be, for example, a protein or peptide, but is not limited thereto. In the absence of

Target molecule can bind a primer to the primer binding region of the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe and by extension of the 3 'terminus of the primer by means of a suitable enzyme system, there is a release of the mediator of the

Mediator probe. The released mediator can with the help of a specific

Detection molecule or a detection method trigger a detectable signal. In the presence of the target molecule, the aptamer region of the mediator probe binds to the

Target molecule, whereby the primer attached to the Primerbinderegion primer can not be extended and the mediator is not released accordingly by the Mediatorsonde. In the presence of the target molecule, a signal drop is accordingly detected in comparison to the absence of the target molecule.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising at least one mediator probe according to the invention and at least one detection molecule, characterized in that the at least one detection molecule comprises one or more oligonucleotides, and

includes at least a first region interacting with at least one mediator, and a) a second region which has a fluorescence acceptor or a fluorescence donor and / or a chemical group for binding to a solid phase and / or a chemical protective group and / or redox modifications and / or luminescence modifications, and / or

b) a third region which has a fluorescence donor or a fluorescence acceptor and / or a chemical group for binding to a solid phase and / or a chemical protective group and / or redox modifications and / or luminescence modifications,

or

c) at least one fourth region interacting with at least one first probe having a fluorescent donor and / or a fluorescence acceptor, and / or

d) at least one fifth region containing at least one second probe

which has a fluorescence donor and / or a fluorescence acceptor

or e) consists of two oligonucleotides, both or only one of the two

oligonucleotides have a fluorescence acceptor or a fluorescence donor and / or a chemical group for binding to a solid phase and / or a chemical protective group and / or redox modifications and / or luminescence modifications

The probes interacting with the at least one detection molecule can be considered within the meaning of the invention as constituents of the detection molecule. In this case, the detection molecule comprises more than one oligonucleotide.

The various regions of the detection molecules described herein may overlap or be identical to each other in preferred embodiments of the invention.

Moreover, the invention relates to a system comprising at least one

Mediator probe according to the invention and at least one detection molecule, characterized in that the at least one detection molecule one or more

And oligonucleotides comprising at least a first region which interacts with at least one mediator, and a) a second region comprising a fluorescence acceptor or a fluorescence donor and / or a chemical group for binding to a solid phase and / or a having chemical protecting group and / or redox modifications and / or luminescence modifications, and / or

or

d) at least one fifth region containing at least one second probe

which has a fluorescence donor and / or a fluorescence acceptor.

In addition, the present invention relates to a system comprising at least one

The mediator probe according to the invention and at least one detection molecule, wherein the at least one detection molecule is an oligonucleotide and comprises at least one first region which interacts with at least one mediator, and

a) a second region at a 5 'terminus of the at least one detection molecule comprising a fluorescence acceptor or a fluorescence donor and / or a chemical group for binding to a solid phase and / or a chemical

Having protective group and / or redox modifications and / or luminescence modifications, and

b) a third region containing a fluorescent donor or a fluorescence acceptor and / or redox modifications and / or luminescence modifications and / or a chemical group for binding to a solid phase and / or a chemical

Having protective group,

or

c) at least a fourth region interacting with at least one first probe having a fluorescent donor and / or a fluorescence acceptor, and / or d) at least a fifth region interacting with at least one second probe comprising a fluorescent donor and / or a fluorescence donor Fluorescence acceptor, has.

By skillful exploitation of the universal applicability of the mediator probe according to the invention, it is possible to use the present system for the detection of different target molecules. Using multiple universal mediator probes, multiple target molecules can be detected simultaneously in one sample. Since the fluorescence donors and fluorescence acceptors to the universal

Detector molecule are bound and not to target sequence-specific molecules, the fluorescence yield and the fundamental signal is not influenced by the structure of the target molecule. In contrast to the prior art, an optimized detection molecule can be used in different assays, without fluorescence yield or

To lose basic signal.

A fluorescence acceptor or acceptor dye refers to a molecule that can absorb energy from a fluorescent donor. A fluorescence acceptor may also be referred to as a quencher within the meaning of the invention. Among other things, the absorption efficiency depends on the distance between fluorescence acceptor and fluorescence donor. A fluorescence acceptor can be excited by absorption of a photon with λι for emission with λ2 or be non-emissive and lead to fluorescence quenching.

A fluorescent donor is a dye molecule or fluorophore that is capable of fluorescence. A fluorescence donor, which is excited by radiation, can transfer the energy to a fluorescence acceptor without radiation via dipole-dipole interactions. This quenches the fluorescence signal of the fluorescence donor.

Alternatively, the fluorescence signal of the fluorescent donor to be detected can be influenced by static and dynamic quenching.

A fluorophore (or fluorochrome, similar to a chromophore) is a fluorescent chemical compound that can re-emit light when excited by light. Fluorophores for use as labels in constructing labeled oligonucleotides of the invention preferably comprise rhodamine and derivatives such as e.g. Texas Red, fluorescein and derivatives, e.g. 5-bromomethyl fluorescein, Lucifer Yellow, IAEDANS, 7-Me2N-coumarin-4-acetate, 7-OH-4-CH3-coumarin-3-acetate, 7-NH2-4CH3-coumarin-3-acetate (AMCA), monobromobimanes , Pyrenetrisulfonate, such as Cascade Blue, and

Monobromotrimethylammoniobimanes, FAM, TET, CAL Fluorine Gold 540, HEX, JOE, VIC, CAL Fluorine Orange 560, Cy3, NED, Quasar 570, Oyster 556, TMR, CAL Fluorine Red 590, ROX, LC red 610, CAL Fluorine Red 610, Texas Red, LC red 610, CAL Fluor Red 610, LC red 640, CAL Fluor Red 635, Cy5, LC red 670, Quasar 670, Oyster 645, LC red 705, Cy5.5, BODIPY FL, Oregon Green 488, Rhodamine Green , Oregon Green 514, Cal Gold, BODIPY R6Gj, Yakima Yellow, JOE, HEX, Cal Orange, BODIPY TMR-X, Quasar-570 / Cy3, TAMRA, Rhodamine Red-X, Redmond Red, BODIPY 581/591, Cy3.5 Cal Red / Texas Red, BODIPY TR-X, BODIPY 630/665-X, Pulsar-650, Quasar-670 / Cy5.

"Quenching" refers to any process that reduces the fluorescence intensity of a particular substance. Quenching is the basis for Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) Assays. FRET is a dynamic quenching mechanism because the energy transfer takes place while the donor is in the excited state. A "quencher" is a molecule which quenches the fluorescence over FRET emitted by the fluorophore when excited by a light source. Quenchers for use as labels in constructing labeled oligonucleotides or probes of the invention preferably comprise DDQ-I, Dabcyl, Eclipse, TAMRA, Iowa Black FQ, BHQ-1, QSY-7, BHQ-2, DDQ-II, Iowa Black RQ, QSY-21, BHQ-3, QSY-35, BHQ-0, QSY-9, ElleQuencher, Iowa Black. Those skilled in the art can select suitable reporter-quencher pairs as described in the literature [Johansson, MK Methods in Molecular Biology 335, 17-29 (2006); Marras, SA Methods in Molecular Biology 335, 3-16 (2006)].

In a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention that has

Detection molecule on a hairpin structure. Here, the hairpin structure can be formed by the 5'-terminus of the detection molecule with an internal

Sequence complementary complementary hybridized and the 3 'terminus of the detection molecule comprises an unpaired sequence section.

In addition, according to the invention, a detection molecule can have at least one fluorescence modification or redox modification or luminescence modification at the 5'-terminus and / or within the hairpin structure.

A hairpin structure in the sense of the present invention denotes a

Secondary Structure of a Linear Nucleic Acid Molecule or Oligonucleotide Having Sequences Aligned by Internal Base Pairing. These

Structures occur when two regions of the same molecule, usually with a palindromic nucleotide sequence, form a double helix that ends up with an unpaired loop. After formation of the hairpin structure, the fluorescence donor or

Fluorescence acceptor at the 5'-terminus (second region) and the fluorescence donor or fluorescence acceptor of the third region interact with each other, where it to a

Suppression of the fluorescence signal may come (FRET). Alternatively to a

Fluorescence donor and fluorescence acceptor modification of the detection molecule in the second and third regions may employ other signal generating modifications, such as, but not limited to, redox molecules, chemiluminescent resonance energy transfer (CRET) pairs, and intercalating molecules.

After release, the mediator is diffusively present in the reaction solution and can interact with the first region of the detection molecule which is located at the unpaired sequence segment at the 3 'end of the reaction. Terminus of the hairpin-shaped detection molecule is located, interact. The

Detection molecule can be immobilized on a solid phase or freely present in solution. By means of a suitable auxiliary molecule, for example the Strand Displacement Polymerase, an elongation of the mediator bound to the detection molecule can take place, the second region (5'-terminus) of the detection molecule having an internal molecule

Sequence portion of the detection molecule is hybridized complementary and so the

Hairpin structure is displaced by the polymerase or the extended 3'-Teminus the mediator is displaced. As a result, the distance between fluorescence acceptor and fluorescence donor is increased by displacing the 5'-terminus and the previously suppressed fluorescence signal of the fluorescence donor is restored. Alternatively, there is a change in the distance of a redox molecule at the 5'-terminus of the detection molecule in relation to the 3'-terminus of the detection molecule or a change in the efficiency of CRET or a change in the intercalation of molecules by the formation of a duplex structure of mediator or its Extension product and the

Detection molecule. By displacing the hybridized 5'-terminus, the

Training the secondary structure or hairpin structure repealed. In this case, the mediator can through the auxiliary molecule described up to the 5 'terminus of the

Detection molecule are complementarily extended.

According to a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the detection molecule has the structure of a molecular beacon and contains at least one

Mediator binding region. Molecular beacons are a special class of double-labeled detection molecules with self-complementary strand ends, which in their native state form a hairpin structure. At the strand ends, molecular beacons may carry labels such as a fluorescent donor and fluorescent acceptor, which labels may interact in preferred embodiments. The hairpin structure brings the fluorescence donor and fluorescence acceptor in close proximity to each other, thereby suppressing the fluorescence signal. The hybridization with the mediator spatially separates the fluorescent donor and the fluorescence acceptor, possibly in the context of an amplification reaction in which the mediator is extended, and a fluorescence signal is generated. An advantage of

Detector molecules in the form of molecular beacons against detection molecules bearing internal labels are lower cost of synthesis for terminal labels, such as fluorescent labels.

In a further preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a system comprising at least one mediator probe according to the invention and at least one detection molecule, characterized in that the at least one detection molecule comprises two oligonucleotides, the first oligonucleotide having a first region interacting with at least one mediator and a second region having a fluorescence acceptor or a fluorescent donor and / or a chemical group for binding to a

Solid phase and / or a chemical protective group and / or redox modifications and / or luminescence modifications, and the second oligonucleotide has a third region containing a fluorescence donor or a fluorescence acceptor and / or a chemical group for binding to a solid phase and / or a chemical protecting group and / or redox

Modifications and / or luminescence modifications, wherein the first and the second oligonucleotide having mutually hybridizing regions.

According to this embodiment, the detection molecule may consist of two hybridized, labeled oligonucleotides, wherein the two

Labels of the two oligonucleotides can each act on at least one attached at the ends of the oligonucleotides fluorescence acceptor or fluorescence donor, wherein the fluorescence signal in the dimer is attenuated or suppressed by the spatial proximity of the two markers. One or both oligonucleotides additionally have a mediator binding region. By attachment of the mediator to the mediator binding region and subsequent extension, the labeled nucleotides are separated and the labeled 5 'and 3' ends are spatially separated, resulting in a detectable signal increase. An advantage of this structure is the very low cost of synthesizing such terminally and simply fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides. A preferred variant of this

Embodiment of the detection molecule is shown in FIG.

According to a preferred embodiment of the system according to the invention, the detection molecule comprises a sixth region at a 3'-terminus of the detection molecule which has a chemical group for binding to a solid phase and / or a chemical

Protective group has. A protecting group within the meaning of the present invention refers to a substituent which is introduced into a molecule to temporarily protect a particular functional group and thus prevent an undesired reaction. After performing the desired reaction at another point of the molecule, the protective group can be cleaved again.

In a preferred embodiment, the detection molecule is free in a solution. In another preferred embodiment, detection molecule is bound to a solid phase. In this case, the detection molecule is immobilized on a solid phase in a reaction vessel suitable for the respective detection method. The sample and the required reagents may be added to the reaction vessel and the mixture subsequently incubated at the appropriate conditions. The sample can consist for example of DNA, RNA and / or peptides or proteins. at

If the target molecule is present, the mediator is displaced or released by the mediator probe and can diffuse in the reaction mixture to the immobilized detection molecule.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the detection of a

Signal change after release of the mediator and binding to a detection molecule by electrochemical detection on a solid phase. In this case, the detection molecule is immobilized on an electrode which simultaneously represents the solid phase. The released mediator can hybridize to the mediator binding region of the detection molecule and be extended for example by a polymerase. After extension, redox molecules can intercalate into the dimer of detection molecule and extended mediator and generate an electrochemical signal that can be detected.

In addition, it is also possible that a sufficiently long mediator with the

Detection molecule hybridized and not extended. Redox molecules can intercalate into the dimer of the detection molecule and mediator and generate an electrochemical signal. A variant of this embodiment is shown in FIG. In further embodiments, the mediator and / or the detection molecule is labeled with one or more redox molecules. If the mediator is labeled with a redox molecule, the binding of the released mediator to the immobilized detection molecule leads to a signal change due to the proximity of the redox modification and the electrode surface. A variant of this embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG.

It may be advantageous to release multiple mediators per target molecule and / or template molecule to obtain a stronger signal. The release of multiple mediators per target molecule can be realized, for example, by attaching mediators to several different primers. In a further embodiment, a mediator labeled, for example, with a redox modification can be extended by hybridization with the detection molecule by a polymerase, whereby an advantageous stabilization of the double strand can be achieved (FIG. 22). In further embodiments, the mediator labeled, for example, with a redox modification, may be attached to the strand end of the strand removed from the electrode surface

Bind detection molecule. In this case, the mediator can be extended to a longer detection molecule or the mediator already has a similar length as the

Detection molecule and will not be extended. The electrical charge transfer between the redox molecule and the electrode takes place via the electrical conductivity of the DNA, wherein the conductivity increases by forming a double strand. A variant of such an embodiment is shown in FIG.

In further embodiments, the detection molecule may carry a redox molecule and the mediator may be label-free. The released mediator can now bind to the detection molecule as shown in FIG. 24 and be lengthened. Alternatively, an already sufficiently long mediator can bind to the detection molecule. By forming a double strand, the electrical conductivity of the DNA increases due to possible intra- and intermolecular charge transfer mechanisms. Consequently, a

Signal change can be detected at the electrode. The electrochemical detection can take place on the basis of the measurement of various parameters, including, for example, impedance changes,

Cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry or capacitance changes.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the detection of a

Signal change after release of the mediator and binding to a detection molecule via total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRF). The detection molecule is immobilized on a solid phase above a TIRF illumination device in this embodiment. The evanescent field formed by total reflection penetrates into the

Sample volume and stimulates fluorescence molecules, which are located on the detection molecule and / or on the mediator and / or on probes or intercalated in dimers, on, whereby a change in the fluorescence signal can be detected.

In other preferred embodiments, the binding of the released mediator to the detection molecule can be detected by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. By the release and subsequent binding of the mediator to the detection molecule immobilized on a surface, a change of the refractive index in the sample can be detected. Among other things, the detection molecules can be immobilized directly on the metal surface in which the plasmons are excited or, for example, in / on a membrane which is located directly on the metal surface.

The binding or immobilization of the detection molecule to a solid phase is also advantageous in order to detect the release and binding of the mediator to a detection molecule by gravimetric measurements. In this case, the detection molecule is immobilized, for example, on a support surface whose weight can be determined inter alia with a quartz crystal. Changing the weight by binding the mediator to the detection molecule can thus be detected. Alternatively, the detection molecules can be immobilized on magnetic particles. This allows the detection of target molecules by means of magnetic relaxometry. In magnetic relaxometry, the magnetic particles are magnetized by a short, magnetic pulse and thereby the degradation of the induced

detected magnetic moment. The hydrodynamic resistance of particles, to which mediators are bound and extended via the detection molecules immobilized on the particles, is greater, ie the hydrodynamic resistance of particles to which no mediators bind. Particles to which mediators bind and are optionally extended lengthen their induced magnetic moment accordingly slower than particles to which bind no mediators. The relaxation times of the induced magnetic moments of said particles are therefore different from each other, whereby the release of mediators can be detected. By combining magnetic relaxometry with melting curve analysis, different target molecules can be detected side by side in a sample.

According to the invention, the mediator and / or the detection molecule can be labeled with at least one fluorescent molecule, redox molecule, luminescent molecule or another signal-generating molecule.

According to the invention, the detection molecule can be a single-stranded nucleic acid molecule or nucleic acid derivative. To such a detection molecule can be several marked

Probes hybridized. After release of the mediator this binds to the

Detection molecule and is extended. This releases the labeled probes hybridized to the detection molecule, making it a detectable one of the

Markings of the probes outgoing signal change comes. For example, the leads

Release of fluorescence donor and fluorescence acceptor labeled probes by the spatial separation of fluorescence donor and fluorescence acceptor into one

Fluorescence increase. The single-stranded detection molecule can be linear or circular it may be homogeneous in solution or immobilized on a solid phase and may have multiple mediator binding sites. This embodiment of the invention is preferably used in isothermal amplification methods to ensure that the labeled probes in the absence of the target molecule to the

Detecting molecule bind and not due to high thermal energy, which

For example, when PCR is generated, dissociate away from the detection molecule. Examples of the embodiment of the invention shown here are shown in Example 9.

If the detection molecule is performed circularly and several mediator binding sites are introduced, simultaneous binding of several mediators at different sites can result in a fast detection reaction in a good dynamic range. An additional increase in sensitivity can be achieved by the circular structure of the detection molecule since, upon hybridization and extension of a mediator to a detection molecule, all bound, labeled probes are released, independently of the site to which the mediator binds. To a detection molecule probes with different fluorescence donors and fluorescence acceptors can be bound, which emit at different wavelengths. By combination

different fluorescent dyes, which can also be used in different concentrations (which by the number of labeled probes per

Detection molecule is determined), the degree of multiplexing can be increased. Certain concentration ratios can be assigned to a defined detection molecule.

In a preferred embodiment, the system according to the invention additionally comprises at least one binding molecule to which at least one first and / or at least one second probe can bind after release of the detection molecule. Bindemoleküle can be used to sustained, for example, with fluorescence donor or fluorescence acceptor labeled probes sustained at a re-binding to the

Prevent detection molecule. A corresponding embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG.

In certain embodiments, the detection molecule consists of several

Oligonucleotides, wherein an unlabeled oligonucleotide is hybridized with shorter, fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides. The unlabelled oligonucleotide may be hybridized with several fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides. At the shorter oligonucleotides each fluorescence acceptor and / or fluorescence donor are attached. These are arranged so that the fluorophore and quencher are in close proximity to each other. The released, unlabeled mediator has a higher binding energy to the unlabeled detection molecule as the fluorescence-labeled detection molecules and displaces thereby, for example, the labeled with the quencher, shorter oligonucleotide. The binding energies can be adjusted and adjusted so that the mediator binds under reaction conditions preferably to the primer and not to the detection molecule. A corresponding embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG.

In addition, the present invention relates to a method for the detection of at least one target molecule, comprising the following steps:

a) providing at least one mediator probe according to one of claims 1 to 3 and / or a system according to claim 4 or 5,

b) binding of the probe region of the first oligonucleotide of the at least one

Mediator probe to a sequence of the template molecule and / or the target molecule, c) amplification of the first oligonucleotide of the at least one mediator probe

and / or the template molecule and / or the target molecule,

d) release of the at least one mediator by at least one auxiliary molecule, e) optionally the binding of the at least one released mediator to the

at least one detection molecule, and

f) detection of a signal change.

The amplification steps of the method according to the invention may comprise isothermal and / or non-isothermal amplification methods.

In isothermal or isothermal amplification, the respective reaction takes place at constant temperature (isothermal) with a strand-displacing polymerase. Since the isothermal amplification is carried out at a constant temperature, it can also be carried out without major equipment outlay. The strand displacing polymerase, z. B. the 029 DNA polymerase from the bacteriophage Φ29, displaces an existing second strand of double-stranded DNA, while making a new strand from the first strand, with the same sequence to the second strand.

Methods for isothermal amplification of DNA include, but are not limited to, multidisplacement amplification, isothermal assembly, recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA, recombinase polymerase amplification), loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP , loop-mediated isothermal amplification), nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), helicase-dependent amplification (HDA, helicase-dependent amplification), the nicking enzyme amplification reaction (NEAR, single-strand-break enzyme amplification reaction) Rolling Circle Amplification (RCA, rolling circle replication) and the Strand Displacement Amplification (SDA).

In non-isothermal amplification methods, a thermostable polymerase is used because the temperature varies during the reaction. Here, a thermal cycler can be used. Examples of non-isothermal amplification methods are the

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the real-time PCR and the polymerase chain

Displacement reaction (PCDR).

An important advantage of the method according to the invention is based on the fact that the

Mediator release and the subsequent signal generation, for example by interaction of the mediator with a detection molecule, at different

Amplification methods can be applied and not to special ones

Amplification systems is limited. By skillful exploitation of the respective

Conditions in different amplification methods can be the above

Mediator release easily adapted to the particular system. In preferred embodiments of the invention, the mediator release is not effected by cleavage of the mediator from the mediator probe by means of the nuclease activity of an enzyme, but by displacement. In this case, it is preferable not to cleave covalent bonds, since the mediator is not covalently bound to the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe. The mediator release preferably takes place without the cleavage of an oligonucleotide occurring. Preferably, the use of enzymes with nuclease activity is not required in the method according to the invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the mediator binds to the first region of the detection molecule, wherein the binding may be an indirect or direct interaction. Through this interaction of the mediator with the first region of the detection molecule, a physically or chemically measurable change of the detection molecule can take place.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention at least one mediator binds to the first region of the detection molecule and is enzymatically extended by at least one auxiliary molecule, wherein the auxiliary molecule binds preferentially to the 3'-terminus of the bound mediator, whereby a physically or chemically measurable change of the detection molecule he follows. These alterations of the detection molecule include, without limitation, cleavage, digestion, strand doubling, internal hybridization, phosphorylation, dephosphorylation, amidation, attachment, or Cleavage of a chemical group, fluorescence, phosphorescence or luminescence change.

According to another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least one mediator binds to the first region of the detection molecule, whereby a physically or chemically measurable change of the detection molecule takes place.

In this case, an enzymatic extension of the mediator is preferably not required for the generation of a measurable change.

Within the scope of the method according to the invention, the 3'-terminus of the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe is preferred after binding of the probe region of the first

Oligonucleotide of the mediator probe to a sequence of the template molecule and / or the target molecule by an auxiliary molecule enzymatically extended.

A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the amplification of the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe and / or the template molecule and / or target molecule is carried out by an isothermal or non-isothermal amplification method.

According to the invention, PCR, PCDR or real-time PCR are preferably used as non-isothermal amplification methods. As isothermal amplification methods LAMP or RPA are preferably used.

In a non-isothermal amplification reaction, such as PCR or PCDR, one or more of the primers employed may be modified in a manner such that it or these constitute a mediator probe. In a suitable reaction vessel sample and the required reagents are presented and the mixture is incubated, wherein the amplification can take place. During this process, the signal change, for example a fluorescence signal, is detected in the reaction vessel. In a further embodiment of the method according to the invention has

Detection molecule via at least one fluorescence or luminescence modification, and after the reaction with the at least one mediator by means of an auxiliary molecule from the detection molecule, the fluorescence or luminescence modification is split off and / or the 5'-terminus of the hairpin structure of the detection molecule is removed and / or unfolds the hairpin structure and detects a change in the fluorescence or luminescence signal at the detection molecule. In preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, several mediators per mediator probe and / or several mediator probes and / or several detection molecules per target molecule are used.

This allows complex multiplex analyzes that allow the detection of multiple analytes simultaneously in an experimental approach. Multiplex analyzes allow the detection of several different target molecules and / or template molecules in a reaction mixture. For increasing the degree of multiplexing of the method according to the invention, n different mediator probes for the detection of n

different target molecules are used. Each target molecule to be detected may be assigned at least one mediator probe whose probe region specifically interacts with the target molecule or template molecule. The Mediatorbinderegion and the mediator of each Mediatorsonde are not affine or complementary to the respective target molecule or template molecule. However, the respective mediator represents a specific interaction partner for a defined detection molecule. As a result, each target molecule is indirectly assigned at least one detection molecule whose assignment by the

Mediator probe takes place. The detection of different target molecules requires various detection molecules.

Since the probe region and mediator binding region of the mediator probe can be freely combined independently of each other, one detection molecule can also be correlated with another target molecule by linking and synthesizing the appropriate mediator binding region and mediator with any probe region. The method according to the invention therefore allows the target molecule-independent design of the detection molecule. Thus, with a standardized set of detection molecules, different target molecules can be detected in a sample, whereby the reaction can be inexpensively adapted by adapting the mediator probe and using appropriate helper molecules (e.g., primers or aptamers) to the particular target molecule.

According to the invention, several different mediators, which are part of a single mediator probe and bind to the mediator binding region of the same first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe, can bind to several different detection molecules. By cleverly combining several mediators of a mediator probe with different detection molecules, the degree of multiplexing of the method according to the invention can be greatly increased. A prerequisite is that the several different detection molecules

generate different signals that are distinguishable and preferably can be detected in parallel or simultaneously. For example, by using n detection molecules and two mediators, different target molecules can be detected for each mediator probe and target molecule "n over 2" + n With the aid of the binomial coefficient, the number of detectable target molecules can be calculated for a given number of different detection molecules by generating two different signals, for example two fluorescence signals with two different wavelengths, but also by

Generation of a single signal can be identified, the value of the

Binomial coefficients are increased by n to calculate the maximum number of detectable target molecules. With four different detection molecules 10 different target molecules can thus be detected, while already five

Detection molecules allow the differentiation of 15 target molecules. On

corresponding embodiment is shown in Figure 5 A.

Alternatively, several mediator probes per target molecule can be used, wherein a mediator probe can contain only one mediator. In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, one or more mediator probes which bind to the same target molecule or template molecule can be used, wherein the mediator or the mediators of these mediator probes can simultaneously bind to one detection molecule or to several detection molecules. By skillfully combining the mediator binding regions in the detection molecules, for example, between three target molecules using only two

Detection molecules are distinguished. Through the use of n detection molecules and at least two mediators per detection molecule, "2" - 1 "different target molecules can be detected. According to this embodiment of the invention, the detection molecules each comprise at least two different ones

Mediatorbinderegionen, wherein at least two mediators, which are linked to at least two different target sequences, in each case only a specific

Bind detection molecule. This generates a specific signal per target molecule. According to this embodiment of the invention, a third or more mediators linked to a third or more target sequences may be attached to at least the two

Bind detection molecules and thus trigger at least two different signals. In order for the probability that two released mediators simultaneously bind to the same detection molecule to be high enough, the concentration should be released

Mediators in the order of the concentration of detection molecules are. A corresponding exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. 5B. Furthermore, it is also possible to use detection molecules which contain more than two different mediators In addition, several different mediator probes can bind to the same target molecule.

By using multiple mediator probes per target molecule or template molecule, several different mediators can be released upon detection of the target molecule.

For example, a plurality of mediator probes, each selectively to a

bind common target molecule or template molecule, are used, wherein the mediator or the mediators of these mediator probes have different sequences. Several different mediators of different sequence can bind to one and the same detection molecule, whereby a detection reaction can be triggered only by binding several mediators. By skillfully exploiting the interaction between released mediators among themselves, the signal-generating reaction can be controlled and thus the specificity of the detection method can be increased. Specificity refers to the proportion of correctly classified negative events or the probability that the absence of a target molecule is also classified as a negative result. For example, two of different

Mediator probes released mediators interact on a detection molecule so that a signal change of the detection molecule occurs only when both mediators have bound to the detection molecule. A corresponding exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. 5C. A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the target molecule and / or the template molecule is a biomolecule selected from the group comprising DNA, RNA, peptide, protein, aptamer and / or a combination thereof.

A great advantage of the method according to the invention is that, in contrast to the prior art, the parallel detection of different molecules and classes of molecules, such as e.g.

Proteins and nucleic acids, in one step and within a reaction approach is made possible, with which a combined DNA-RNA-protein profile of a sample can be created.

The detection method according to the invention can be used for example as a target molecule for the detection of a specific RNA molecule, wherein the RNA by means of

Reversed transcription (RT) or by another suitable enzymatic system into cDNA rewritten and then the cDNA is amplified, wherein the cDNA is used as a template molecule. According to the invention, target molecule-specific aptamers can be used as template molecules for the detection of target molecules. Here, the target molecule to be detected may be, for example, a protein or peptide, but is not limited thereto. An aptamer binds to the target molecule and changes its structure, so that after

Interaction can attach an aptamer-specific mediator probe and primer to the aptamer. By processing with a suitable enzyme system, primers attached to the aptamer can be extended, thereby achieving amplification of an aptamer sequence that lies outside the protein binding region of the aptamer. In this case, a mediator probe according to the invention can interact with the aptamer or the amplified aptamer sequence. For example, by binding a mediator probe to a linear amplification product, the probe can be opened, with the aid of further primers displacing the mediator from the mediator probe. The released mediator can be detected using a specific detection molecule or a suitable detection method. According to the invention, target molecule-specific aptamers can be used as template molecules for the detection of a target molecule

Target binding region flanked by primer binder regions include. In addition, at least one mediator probe according to the invention is used whose probe region specifically binds to one of the primer binder regions of the aptamer. In the absence of the target molecule, the target molecule binding region of the aptamer can be amplified using the mediator probe and another primer, resulting in the release of the mediator from the mediator probe, whereby a signal change can be detected. In

Presence of the target molecule binds the aptamer to the target molecule and the primer or the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe can bind to each other due to binding

Aptamer and target molecule are not prolonged and there is no release of the mediator. In the presence of the target molecule is correspondingly a signal drop in

Comparison to the absence of the target molecule detected. This method according to the invention allows an exponential detection reaction.

According to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention

Auxiliary molecule selected from the group comprising polymerases, RNA polymerases, DNA polymerases, ligases, ribozymes, catalysts, proteins, nucleic acids, natural products,

Enzymes, enzyme systems, cell lysates, cell components, cell derived derivatives and / or synthetic molecules. The auxiliary molecule is preferably a molecule consisting of a nucleic acid amplification system and / or a restriction enzyme system.

Ligases are enzymes that link DNA strands. They form an ester bond between a phosphate residue and the sugar deoxyribose. It is also known that

Ligases also have the ability to extend nucleic acid molecules at their 3'-end. Ribozymes are catalytically active RNA molecules that, like enzymes, catalyze chemical reactions. It is known that certain ribozymes can extend and amplify nucleic acid molecules, much like polymerases. In addition, ribozymes can also catalyze other reactions, such as the formation of peptide bonds and the splicing / splicing of RNA molecules.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one auxiliary molecule has a DNA-strand-separating action and / or a

polymerizing effect, wherein the auxiliary molecule is preferably a Strand Displacement Polymerase. It has surprisingly been found that using a polymerase with Strand Displacement activity requires no additional enzymes, such as enzymes with nuclease activity, which is a great advantage compared to prior art methods.

Various auxiliary molecules can be used for different process steps within the process of the invention. Procedural steps with the help of

Helper molecules may include, without limitation, the amplification of the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe according to the invention, the amplification of the target molecule and / or the template molecule, the cleavage, release or displacement of the mediator of the mediator probe, the enzymatic extension of the mediator after binding to a Detection molecule and the change of the detection molecule.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention occurs by direct or indirect interaction between immobilized or non-immobilized

Detection molecule and at least one mediator a measurable change in fluorescence, phosphorescence, luminescence, mass, absorption, scattering of light, electrical conductivity, enzymatic activity and / or affinity, electrochemical potential or signal, refractive index, excitation of Oberflächenplasmonen or magnetic

Relaxation on.

Detection molecule and at least one mediator a measurable change in fluorescence, phosphorescence, luminescence, mass, absorption, scattering of light, electrical conductivity, enzymatic activity and / or affinity, electrochemical potential or signal, refractive index, excitation of surface plasmons, magnetic relaxation, magnetic property , Impedance or capacity. A preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention is characterized in that the release of the at least one mediator by a

Amplification of the at least one mediator is detected by means of an isothermal or non-isothermal amplification method. Here, the released mediator in the presence of appropriate amplification enzymes, for example, trigger a rolling circle amplification. Thus, the target molecule can be identified by detecting the rolling circle amplification products. Amplification products of a rolling circle amplification can, for example, be detected sequence-specifically via probes or also via pH changes, gel electrophoresis or colorimetry. According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one released mediator is detected by sequencing. By

Sequencing of the free mediators, any number of target molecules can be identified in a sample simultaneously.

Sequencing is the determination of the nucleotide sequence in a nucleic acid molecule, in particular DNA. Sequencing methods for the purposes of the present invention include, without limitation, the method of Maxam and Gilbert, the Danger method according to Sanger, pyrosequencing, sequencing by hybridization, the ion-semiconductor DNA sequencing system, sequencing with bridge synthesis, two-base sequencing, sequencing with paired ends and nanopore sequencing. For example, detection can be detected by next generation sequencing (NGS). An example of an NGS method is nanopore sequencing, in which potential changes on a pore-containing membrane can be measured by the passage of molecules, such as nucleic acids, and thus the sequence of the nucleic acid can be determined. By sequencing, the simultaneous release of any number of mediators, which each signal the presence of a specific target molecule, can be detected. In this case, the degree of multiplexing increases greatly compared to conventional methods, such as fluorescence measurements. The sequencing method is not limited to nanopore sequencing. In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the at least one released mediator binds to the detection molecule by hybridization, is optionally extended after binding to the detection molecule by an auxiliary molecule, and then a melting curve analysis is carried out. This can be an additional

Increasing the degree of multiplexing when using different detection molecules, which are marked, for example, with different signal-generating molecules achieved become. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, sequence-specific or sequence-unspecific probes which are fluorogenic and / or chromogenic labeled, or fluorescent dyes interact with the mediator and / or the detection molecule.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention at least one target molecule is an RNA, and the RNA is transcribed into cDNA, and the cDNA serves as a template molecule. Here, a primer with sequence overhang for the

Umschreibereaktion / reverse transcription of the RNA can be used in cDNA, and the probe region of the mediator probe can bind to a region containing both at least a portion of the cDNA and a part of the sequence overhang. According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, at least one target molecule is a peptide or a protein and the template molecule is an aptamer, the aptamer binding to the peptide or the protein, and binding of the aptamer to the target molecule the binding site for the probe region of the mediator probe becomes accessible at the aptamer. In accordance with the present invention, sequence-specific or sequence-nonspecific probes, fluorescent dyes, or redox molecules can interact with at least one mediator and / or the detection molecule.

In addition, the present invention relates to the use of the system according to the invention and / or the method according to the invention for the detection of one or more identical or different biomolecules in a mixture. In this case, the detection molecule according to the invention can have a chemical protecting group at the 3 ^" -terminal region, the protective group being split off from the detection molecule after the reaction with the mediator by means of an auxiliary molecule and a 3'-terminal OH group being generated Invention a kit comprising at least one

Detection molecule, and optionally at least one mediator according to the invention, polymerases and dNTPs.

Specific description of the invention

In the following, the invention will be explained with reference to figures and embodiments, but without being limited thereto. Show it:

Figure 1: Schematic representation of the structure of a Mediatorsonde in one

Embodiment of the invention. Figure 2: Schematic flow of mediator displacement during a

Amplification process in the presence of a Strand Displacement Polymerase.

Figure 3: Schematic representation of a possible detection molecule.

Figure 4: Schematic representation of the enzymatic Mediatorverlängerung. FIG. 5: Arrangement possibilities when using a plurality of mediators and / or multiple mediator probes and / or multiple detection molecules per target molecule.

FIG. 6: Structure of a detection molecule with the structure of a molecular beacon.

Figure 7: Linear or circular detection molecule with fluorescence donor and

Fluorescence acceptor-labeled hybridized probes. FIG. 8: Electrochemical detection on a solid phase.

FIG. 9: Schematic sequence of a mediator displacement during a

Amplification process in the presence of a Strand Displacement Polymerase.

FIG. 10: Mechanism of a mediator release and subsequent signal generation during a LAMP. FIG. 11: Normalized fluorescence plot of a LAMP for the detection of E. coli (W31 10, complete genome) using mediator probes and detection molecules according to the invention.

FIG. 12: Normalized fluorescence plot of an RT-LAMP for the detection of HIV-1 RNA using mediator probes and detection molecules according to the invention. FIG. 13: Construction of a mediator probe, which does not function as a primer.

FIG. 14: Detection method for the detection of target molecules by target-molecule-specific aptamers.

FIG. 15. Detection method according to the invention for the detection of target molecules by mediator probes which additionally contain aptamer region and primer binding region. FIG. 16: Detection method according to the invention for the detection of target molecules by mediator probes, which function as primers and enable an exponential detection reaction.

FIG. 17: Immobilization of a detection molecule on a solid phase. FIG. 18: Immobilization of a labeled detection molecule on an electrode.

Figure 19: Detection molecule consists of two labeled, hybridized with each other

Oligonucleotides.

Figures 20-24: Electrochemical detection on a solid phase. Figure 25: Detection molecule consists of several oligonucleotides.

FIG. 26: Normalized fluorescence plot of a LAMP for the detection of H. ducreyi.

FIG. 27: Normalized fluorescence plot of a LAMP for the detection of T. pallidum.

FIG. 28: Normalized fluorescence plot of an RT-LAMP for the detection of HTLV-1.

FIG. 29: Normalized fluorescence plot of an RT-LAMP for the detection of TMV. Figure 30: Normalized fluorescence plot of a PCDR for the detection of 100 pg G3PDH fragment.

FIG. 31: Binding of the mediator to a magnetic or magnetizable nanoparticle.

FIG. 32: Functional proof of the electrochemical detection of electroactively labeled mediators. Figure 1 shows the schematic representation of a possible structure of a mediator probe, which represents a preferred embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 shows the schematic sequence of a mediator displacement during a

Amplification process in the presence of a Strand Displacement Polymerase from a mediator probe, which acts as a primer in a DNA amplification. Figure 3 (A) shows the linear representation of a possible detection molecule. (B) Preparation of a 3'-immobilized detection molecule to form the secondary structure. The reverse-complementary sequence segments, through the interaction of which the secondary structure of the detection molecule is formed, are shown as black areas, the mediator binding sequence as a diagonal-striped area. Figure 4 shows the schematic representation of an enzymatic mediator extension, i) A detection molecule is free in solution or immobilized on a solid phase and assumes a defined secondary structure under reaction conditions. Two suitable

Fluorescence modifications F and Q interact with each other, suppressing the fluorescence signal from F, ii) The mediator can be defined with the detection molecule Position (Mediatorbinderegion, Region 5) interact iii) - iv) and is thereby enzymatically extended by a Strand Displacement Polymerase. In this case, region 1 together with fluorescence acceptor molecule Q is displaced from the detection molecule, whereby the

Fluorescence intensity of the fluorescent donor F is restored, vi) After

Displacement of Region 1 may be followed by a further extension of the mediator.

FIG. 5 (A-C) shows a plurality of arrangement possibilities when using a plurality of mediators and / or a plurality of mediator probes and / or a plurality of detection molecules per

Target molecule. (A) Increasing the number of detectable target molecules using multiple mediators per mediator probe or multiple mediator probes per target molecule. The number of maximum detectable target molecules as a function of the number of

Detector molecules using multiple mediators per target molecule can be calculated using the binomial coefficient and the number of detection molecules. (B) increasing the number of detectable target molecules using

Detector molecules with multiple mediator binding regions. (C) increasing the specificity of a detection reaction using multiple mediators per target molecule and exploiting the interaction between the mediators. By the release of both

Mediators can do this in a way with each other and at the same time with the

Detector molecule interact, so that one of the mediators extended and one

Detection reaction is triggered. The interaction of a single mediator does not lead to a detection reaction.

Figure 6 shows the structure of a detection molecule that corresponds to the structure of a molecular beacon. At the 5'- and 3'-end fluorescence acceptor and fluorescence donor are attached and in the loop is the Mediatorbinderegion.

FIG. 7 shows a linear or circular detection molecule to which

Fluorescence donor and fluorescence acceptor labeled probes are hybridized. By

Hybridization of the mediator to the detection molecule and extension releases the labeled probes, thereby detecting a signal change. To prevent released probes labeled with fluorescence donor or fluorescence acceptor from binding again to the detection molecule, binding molecules can be used to which the labeled probes can bind after release.

FIG. 8 shows an embodiment of the invention in which electrochemical detection on a solid phase is used. The detection molecules are immobilized on an electrode. After hybridization and extension of the mediator at the detection molecule redox molecules present in the solution in the dimer of detection molecule and prolonged Mediator intercalate, whereby a change of the electrochemical signal can be detected.

FIG. 9 shows the schematic sequence of a mediator displacement during a

Amplification process in the presence of a Strand Displacement Polymerase from a mediator probe, which acts as a primer in a DNA amplification. The mediator and the detection molecule are each labeled with a fluorescent dye, whereby at

Hybridization of the mediator with the detection molecule by FRET energy transfer an increase in fluorescence intensity at one wavelength can be detected. When using detection molecules with different numbers of nucleotides, a melting curve analysis can be used to distinguish between different target molecules.

Figure 10 shows the mechanism of mediator release and subsequent

Signal generation during a LAMP. The mediator binding region at the detection molecule and in the mediator probe is abbreviated to Medc (corresponds to the sequence complementary to the mediator). The mediator probe serves in this embodiment of the present invention simultaneously as a loop primer, accordingly the mediator probe is composed of a Medc-extended loop primer (Loop_Medc) and a mediator (Med) hybridized thereon. A dumbbell-like one is formed after the initial LAMP steps

Amplification product to which the mediator probe can bind. By extending the mediator probe and reconnecting a primer to it, the mediator is displaced by the Strand Displacement Polymerase. The released mediator can then generate a detectable signal by interacting with a detection molecule.

FIG. 11 shows a normalized fluorescence plot of a LAMP for the detection of E. coli DNA (W31 10, complete genome) using mediator probes and detection molecules according to the invention. The plot shows a correlation between the amount of DNA and the course of fluorescence. The fluorescence intensities were normalized to the initial value at 0 min. The number of DNA copies is given in copies per reaction (for example, 10 cp corresponds to 10 copies per reaction with a total volume of 10 μΙ). The negative control contains 0 copies per reaction (NTC, no template control). FIG. 12 shows the normalized fluorescence plot of an RT-LAMP for the detection of HIV-1 RNA using mediator probes and detection molecules according to the invention. The fluorescence intensities were normalized to the initial value at 0 min. The number of RNA copies are given in copies per reaction (3,400 cp corresponds to 3,400 copies per reaction with a total volume of 10 μΙ). The negative control contains 0 copies per reaction (NTC, no template control). FIG. 13 shows an embodiment of a mediator probe which does not serve as the starting point of an amplification.

FIG. 14 shows a detection method according to the invention for the detection of target molecules by target-molecule-specific aptamers. FIG. 15 shows a detection method according to the invention for the detection of target molecules by mediator probes which additionally contain aptamer region and primer binding region. In the absence of the target molecule, the mediator probe is amplified while in

Presence of the target molecule extension of the primer by the bound

Target molecule is blocked. In the presence of the target molecule, therefore, no detectable signal is triggered, wherein in the absence of the target molecule, a detectable signal is generated.

FIG. 16 shows a detection method according to the invention for the detection of target molecules by mediator probes which function as primers and an exponential one

Enable detection reaction. In the absence of the target molecule, the linear aptamer is amplified and released during amplification of the mediator, while in the presence of the target molecule, extension of the primer by the bound target molecule is blocked. In the presence of the target molecule, therefore, no detectable signal is triggered, wherein in the absence of the target molecule, a detectable signal is generated.

FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of the detection method according to the invention, in which the detection molecules are immobilized in a suitable reaction vessel on a solid phase.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment of the detection method according to the invention, in which the detection molecules are immobilized on an electrode. By hybridization and extension of the mediator at the detection molecule bound to the detection molecule redox molecule is spatially separated from the electrode surface, whereby a change of the signal is generated. Schemes a and b schematize possible binding sites of the mediator in two different regions of the detection molecule.

FIG. 19 shows a detection molecule consisting of two labeled hybridized oligonucleotides. At the 5 'and 3' end are respectively fluorescence acceptor and

In addition, one of the two oligonucleotides has a Mediatorbinderegion on.

Figure 20 shows a possibility of electrochemical detection on a solid phase. The detection molecules are immobilized on an electrode. After hybridization of the mediator At the detection molecule, redox molecules present in the solution can intercalate into the dimer of detection molecule and mediator, resulting in a change of the

electrochemical signal can be detected.

FIG. 21 shows electrochemical detection on a solid phase with the aid of a labeled mediator. The detection molecules are immobilized on an electrode. By

Hybridization of the labeled mediator on the detection molecule, a change of the electrochemical signal can be detected.

FIG. 22 shows the electrochemical detection on a solid phase. The detection molecules are immobilized on an electrode. By hybridization and extension of the labeled mediator on the detection molecule, a change in the electrochemical signal can be detected.

FIG. 23 shows a possibility of electrochemical detection on a solid phase. The detection molecules are immobilized on an electrode. By hybridization and

Extension of the labeled mediator at the detection molecule, a change of the electrochemical signal can be detected. The electrical charge transport between the redox molecule and the electrode takes place through the formation of a double strand.

FIG. 24 shows an electrochemical detection on a solid phase. The detection molecules are immobilized on an electrode. By hybridization and extension of the mediator on the labeled detection molecule, a change in the electrochemical signal can be detected. The electrical charge transport between the redox molecule and the electrode takes place through the formation of a double strand.

FIG. 25: The detection molecule consists of several oligonucleotides, wherein an unlabeled oligonucleotide is hybridized with shorter, fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides. At the shorter oligonucleotides each fluorescence acceptor and / or fluorescence donor are attached. These are arranged to be fluorophore and

Quencher are in close proximity to each other. The released mediator has a higher binding energy to the unlabeled detection molecule, thereby displacing, for example, the quencher labeled, shorter oligonucleotide.

FIG. 26 shows a normalized fluorescence plot of a LAMP for the detection of

Haemophilus ducreyi (H. ducreyi) using inventive mediator probes and detection molecules. The fluorescence intensities were normalized to the initial value at 0 min. The negative control (NTC, no template control) contains no H. ducreyi DNA, the positive control was mixed with purified H. ducreyi DNA. FIG. 27 shows a normalized fluorescence plot of a LAMP for the detection of Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum) using mediator probes according to the invention and

Detection molecules. The fluorescence intensities were normalized to the initial value at 0 min. The negative control (NTC, no template control) contains no T. pallidum DNA, the positive control was treated with purified T. pallidum DNA.

FIG. 28 shows a normalized fluorescence plot of an RT-LAMP for the detection of HTLV-1 using mediator probes and detection molecules according to the invention. The fluorescence intensities were normalized to the initial value at 0 min. The

Negative control (NTC, no template control) contains no HTLV-1 RNA, the positive control was treated with purified HTLV-1 RNA.

FIG. 29 shows a normalized fluorescence plot of an RT-LAMP for the detection of TMV using mediator probes and detection molecules according to the invention. The fluorescence intensities were normalized to the initial value at 0 min. The

Negative control (NTC, no template control) contains no TMV RNA, the positive control was treated with purified TMV RNA.

FIG. 30 shows a normalized fluorescence plot of a PCDR for the detection of 100 .mu.g mice G3PDH DNA using mediator probes according to the invention and FIG

Detection molecules. The fluorescence intensities were normalized to the initial value at 0 cycles. Figure 31 shows a mediator bound to a magnetic or magnetizable nanoparticle. After release in the presence of the target molecule, the mediator can bind to the detection molecule, whereby a change in the magnetic property on the surface of the solid phase can be detected.

FIG. 32 shows a functional verification of the electrochemical detection of electroactively labeled mediators. In the positive control (60,000 copies of E. coli DNA), the mediators are displaced during the LAMP reaction and can subsequently hybridize to the detection molecule. Accordingly, the labeled mediator (here with methylene blue) accumulates on the electrode surface, which leads to the formation of a characteristic peak at -0.39 V in the case of electrochemical analysis (in this case square-wave voltammetry). In contrast, the missing peak in the NTC indicates that no significant

Release of mediators.

Exemplary embodiments:

In the following, several mediators can be connected to one bind special primer or first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe according to the invention and / or it can be provided with mediators several different primers and / or Mediatorsonden to increase the mediator concentration in the sample.

Example 1 Mediator Probe Exemplary embodiments of the invention include a mediator probe for the detection of at least one target molecule, wherein the mediator probe comprises at least two oligonucleotides. A first oligonucleotide has a mediator binding region and a

Probe region. The mediator binding region is located at the 5 'terminus and the probe region is located at the 3' terminus of the oligonucleotide. A second or more

Oligonucleotides, the mediator or mediators, are chemically, biologically and / or physically attached to the mediator binding region of the first oligonucleotide. A mediator may be constructed of DNA, RNA, PNA or modified RNA, such as LNA. The

Probe region of the first oligonucleotide has an affinity for the target molecule and / or template molecule and the mediator binding region has an affinity for the mediator or the mediators (Figure 1). The mediator or mediators have an affinity for at least one detection molecule.

Example 2: Course of Mediator Displacement

The mediator is displaced from the mediator binding region after binding of the probe region to a target molecule and / or template molecule, for example, using a strand dispersing polymerase. This process can take place during an amplification process of the target molecule and / or template molecule. In the

In embodiments of the invention, the probe region of the mediator probe may function as a primer in a DNA amplification. After binding the probe region to a

The target molecule and / or template molecule prolongs the mediator probe. Subsequently, a second primer can be attached to the extended mediator probe and extended. During the amplification process, the mediator or mediators are released from the mediator binding region and trigger a detectable signal through interaction with one or more detection molecules (Figure 2).

Example 3 Detection molecule with 6 regions The detection of the released, unlabelled mediator takes place with the aid of a detection reaction. The reaction mechanism described below can be carried out in parallel with the described amplification of the target molecule and / or template molecule.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a detection molecule of a Oligonucleotide exist, which is divided into six regions (Figure 3). Region 1 comprises the 5 'terminus of the detection molecule, which consists of a sequence segment and a fluorescence acceptor Q. Region 3 is a reverse-complementary

Sequence sequence of region 1 and separated by region 2 thereof. Region 4 separates Region 3 and Region 5, which can specifically interact with a mediator molecule. Region 6 comprises the 3'-terminal sequence region, which optionally has a chemical modification and thus allows a directed immobilization of the oligonucleotide. A fluorescent donor F is suitably associated with a region from region 2 to region 6, for example, region 4. Region 1 and Region 3 of the

Detection molecules form a defined secondary structure (hairpin structure) under reaction conditions, in which the 5 'terminus hybridizes with an internal sequence segment (FIG. 3 B). Upon formation of this structure, fluorescence donor F and fluorescence acceptor Q interact with each other, suppressing the fluorescence signal of F (FRET). Alternatively to a fluorescence donor and fluorescence acceptor modification of the detection molecule in region 1 and region 4, other signal-generating modifications may be used, these include, for example, redox molecules,

Chemiluminescent resonance energy transfer (CRET) pairs and intercalating molecules.

Example 4: Mediator prolongation leads to signal change of the detection molecule

The mediator is diffusively present in the reaction solution after release and can interact with the mediator binding sequence (region 5) of the detection molecule (FIG. 4 i) + ii)). The detection molecule can be immobilized on a solid phase or freely present in solution. By means of a suitable auxiliary molecule, for example the strand displacement polymerase, the mediator is elongated, whereby region 1 of the detection molecule is displaced by the polymerase. The distance between fluorescence acceptor Q and fluorescence donor F is increased by displacement of the 5'-terminus and the previously suppressed fluorescence signal of the fluorescence donor F is restored (FIG. 4 (iii) + iv)). Alternatively, there is a change in the distance of a redox molecule at the 5'-terminus of the detection molecule in relation to the 3'-terminus of the detection molecule or a change in the efficiency of CRET or a change in the intercalation of molecules by forming the duplex from mediator or its extension product and the detection molecule. If the interaction of region 1 and region 3 is suppressed by the described displacement, the formation of the secondary structure is canceled. In this case, the mediator can be complementarily extended by the auxiliary molecule described under certain conditions to the newly arising 5'-terminus of the detection molecule (Figure 4 v) + vi)). Through this complete extension has the extended Mediator a sequence portion that is complementary to Region 1, 2 and Region 3 of the detection molecule.

The detection reaction must be designed in such a way that, in contrast to the mediator, the initial mediator probe does not trigger a signal-generating reaction and thus no false-positive results are generated. Initially, the mediator is bound to the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe, for example by hydrogen bonding. To induce a signal-generating reaction by binding the mediator to the detection molecule

can prevent the balance between binding of the mediator to the first

Oligonucleotide of the mediator probe and binding of the mediator to the detection molecule can be adjusted accordingly.

The interaction event of the mediator with the detection molecule produces a local, detectable signal. Become a sufficient number of detection molecules through the

Mediatorverlängerung with resulting displacement of the 5'-terminus activated, the signal is amplified and can be detected by means of suitable detection devices. This allows detection in the presence of the reaction mixture and requires no processing steps.

Example 5: Multiplex Analyzes

Multiplex analyzes require the detection of several different analytes in one

Reaction mixture. For increasing the degree of multiplexing of the reaction according to the invention, the use of n different mediator probes is different for n

Target molecules provided. Each target molecule to be detected may be assigned a mediator probe whose probe region is specific to the target molecule or

Template molecule interacts. The Mediatorbinderegion and the mediator of each

Mediator probe are not affine or complementary to the target molecule or template molecule. But the mediator provides a specific interaction partner for a defined

Detection molecule dar. This is each target molecule indirectly assigned a detection molecule, which is assigned by the Mediatorsonde. The detection

different target molecules requires various types of detection molecules.

Since the probe region and mediator binding region of the mediator probe can be freely combined independently of each other, one detection molecule can also be correlated with another target molecule by linking and synthesizing the appropriate mediator binding region and mediator with any probe region. The method according to the invention therefore allows the target molecule-independent design of the detection molecule. Thus, with a standardized set of detection molecules, different target molecules can be targeted a sample can be detected, whereby the reaction can be inexpensively adapted by adapting the mediator probe and using suitable auxiliary molecules (eg primer or aptamers) to the respective target molecule.

Embodiments of the invention may include multiple mediators and / or multiple

Mediator probes and / or multiple detection molecules per target molecule include. The following constellations are possible.

A. Multiple mediators that bind to the same mediator probe may be attached

bind several detection molecules. By cleverly combining several mediators of a mediator probe with different detection molecules, the degree of multiplexing of an assay can be greatly increased. Condition is that the

Detection molecules produce fluorescence signals with different wavelengths. By using n detection molecules and two mediators per mediator probe and target molecule, "n over 2" + n different target molecules can be detected

different detection molecules, the number of detectable target molecules can be calculated. Since a target molecule not only by generating two

To identify fluorescence signals with two different wavelengths but also by generating a single fluorescence signal, the value of the binomial coefficient must be increased by n in order to calculate the maximum number of detectable target molecules. With four different ones

Detection molecules can thus be detected 10 different target molecules, while even five detection molecules allows the differentiation of 15 target molecules (Figure 5 A). Similarly, several mediator probes per target molecule can be used, wherein a mediator probe can contain only one mediator.

B. One or more mediator probes which bind to the same target molecule or template molecule can be used, the mediator or the

Mediators of these mediator probes to a detection molecule or to several

Detection molecules can bind simultaneously. By skillfully combining the Mediatorbinderegionen in the detection molecules, for example, between three

Target molecules can be distinguished using only two detection molecules. By using n detection molecules and at least two

Mediators per detection molecule can be detected "2" - 1 "different target molecules. Several different mediator probes can bind to the same target molecule. In the example mentioned, in which between three Target molecules can be distinguished using only two detection molecules, the detection molecules can each have two different

Mediatorbinderegionen include. Two mediators, which are linked to two different target sequences, bind to only one specific detection molecule at a time. This generates a specific signal per target molecule. The third mediator, which is linked to the third target sequence, binds to both detection molecules and thus triggers two different signals. In order for the probability of two released mediators simultaneously binding to the same detection molecule to be high enough, the concentration of released mediators should be on the order of the concentration of detection molecules

(Figure 5 B). Furthermore, detection molecules can also be used which can bind more than two different mediators.

C. There may be several mediator probes, each selectively to a common

Bind target molecule or template molecule can be used, wherein the mediator or the mediators of these mediator probes have different sequences. Several different mediators can bind to one and the same detection molecule, whereby a detection reaction can be triggered only by binding several mediators. With this method, the specificity of the detection reaction can be increased. A possible reaction sequence is shown in FIG. 5C. So that the probability that two released mediators at the same time to the same

High enough, the concentration of released mediators should be of the order of the concentration of detection molecules.

Example 6: Melting curve analysis

In certain embodiments of the invention, after the amplification reaction, melting curve analysis of the hybridized with the extended mediators may be performed

Detection molecules are performed. As a result, an additional increase in the degree of multiplexing can be achieved when using different detection molecules which are labeled, for example, with different, signal-generating molecules.

Example 7 Detection Molecule in the Form of a Molecular Beacon In one possible embodiment of the invention, the detection molecule has the structure of a molecular beacon in which the mediator binding region is in a loop (FIG. 6). By addition of the mediator to the described detection molecule and

following extension, the Molecular Beacon is opened and the labeled 5 'and 3' ends separated, resulting in a detectable signal increase. An advantage of this Structure compared to the previously considered structure (Figure 3) are lower synthesis costs for terminal fluorescent labels.

Example 8 Detection molecule consisting of two labeled oligonucleotides

In a further embodiment of the invention, the detection molecule consists of a plurality of fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides. In this case, two oligonucleotides labeled with quencher and fluorophore can be hybridized with one another and separated on interaction with a mediator, whereby a signal change can be detected. The detection molecule described can be constructed as shown in FIG.

Example 9: Detector molecule of single-stranded DNA with hybridized probes In this embodiment, the detection molecule may consist of single-stranded DNA to which a plurality of fluorescence donor and fluorescence acceptor labeled probes are hybridized. After release of the mediator this binds to the detection molecule and is extended, whereby the labeled probes released and thus fluorescence donor and fluorescence acceptor are spatially separated, resulting in a

Fluorescence increase leads. The multiple hybridization of the detection molecule with several labeled probes leads to a multiplication effect of the signal generation. The detection molecule may be linear or circular, it may be homogeneously in solution or immobilized on a solid phase and may have several

Possess mediator binding sites. If the detection molecule is performed circularly and several mediator binding sites are introduced, simultaneous binding of several mediators at different sites can result in a fast detection reaction in a good dynamic range. An additional increase in sensitivity can be achieved by the circular structure of the detection molecule since, upon hybridization and extension of a mediator to a detection molecule, all bound, labeled probes are released, independently of the site to which the mediator binds. At a detection molecule probes with different fluorescence donors and

Be bound fluorescence acceptors which emit at different wavelengths. By combination of different fluorescent dyes, which also in

different concentrations can be used (which is determined by the number of labeled probes per detection molecule), the degree of multiplexing can be increased. Certain concentration ratios can be defined

Detector molecule can be assigned. To be released, with fluorescence donor or

Fluorescence acceptor-labeled probes, lasting on a renewed binding to the

Detector molecule can be used binding molecules can be used, to which the labeled probes can bind after release (Figure 7). The described Embodiment is preferably used in isothermal amplification methods, it is ensured that the labeled probes in the absence of the target molecule to the

Detecting molecule bind and not due to high thermal energy, which

For example, when PCR is generated, dissociate away from the detection molecule. In a preferred embodiment, the fluorescence donor and

Fluorescence acceptor labeled probes are not separated by extension of the mediator of the detection molecule, but displaced by adjusting the equilibrium in the presence of released mediators. The released mediator has a higher

Binding energy to the unlabelled detection molecule as the labeled probe, thereby displacing, for example, the shorter probe labeled with the fluorescence acceptor (Figure 25).

Example 10: Detection by Total Internal Reflectance Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRF) or Surface Plasmon Resonance Spectroscopy

In certain embodiments, similar to electrochemical detection, detection may be by total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TIRF). The

Detection molecule is immobilized in this method on a glass or polymer test carrier above the TIRF illumination device. The evanescent field formed by total reflection penetrates into the sample volume and thereby excites fluorescence molecules which are located on the detection molecule and / or on the mediator and / or on probes or intercalated in dimers, whereby a change of the fluorescence signal can be detected. In further embodiments, the binding of the mediator to the detection molecule is detected by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. By the release and subsequent binding of the mediator to the detection molecule immobilized on a surface, a change in the refractive index in the sample can be detected. The detection molecules can be directly on the

Metal surface in which the plasmons are excited, or, for example, in / on a membrane, which is located directly on the metal surface, immobilized.

Example 1 1: Detection by gravimetric measurements

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the release and binding of the mediator to a detection molecule can be detected by gravimetric measurements. In this case, the detection molecule is immobilized, for example, on a support surface whose weight can be determined inter alia with a quartz crystal. Changing the weight by binding the mediator to the detection molecule can thus be detected. Example 12: Detection via Rolling Circle Amplification

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the released mediator in

Presence of appropriate amplification enzymes trigger a rolling circle amplification and thus the target molecule by detecting the rolling circle

Amplification products are identified. Amplification products of a rolling circle amplification can, for example, be detected sequence-specifically via probes or also via pH changes, gel electrophoresis or colorimetry.

Example 13: Proof of sequencing

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the released mediator can be analyzed by sequencing and thus identified. An example of next-generation sequencing is nanopore sequencing, in which potential changes on a pore-containing membrane can be measured by the passage of molecules, such as nucleic acids, and thus the sequence of the nucleic acid can be determined. By sequencing can thus be the simultaneous release of any number of mediators, each containing the presence of a specific target molecule

signal, be detected. In this case, the degree of multiplexing increases greatly compared to conventional methods, such as fluorescence measurements. The

The sequencing method is not limited to nanopore sequencing, as any sequencing method can be used to detect released mediators.

Example 14: Use of a labeled mediator

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the mediator bound to the mediator probe may be labeled with a fluorescence donor / fluorescence acceptor which emits λ i at a particular wavelength. After displacement from the

Mediator probe, the mediator to a detection molecule that with a

Fluorescence acceptor / fluorescence donor, which at a second λ 2 different wavelength emitted to λ 2, is labeled bind. The over the FRET mechanism

The transfer of energy from fluorescence donor to fluorescence acceptor leads to a detectable increase in the radiation intensity of the fluorescence acceptor, whereby the emission of λ 2 can be detected. In other versions can

chemiluminescent or bioluminescent donor molecules are used. In

Embodiments can also be used fluorescence acceptors, which are non-emissive. By using detection molecules with different numbers of Nucleotides can be differentiated into different target molecules by means of a melting curve analysis simultaneously in a sample. By labeling the mediator, the universal character of the described detection method is not lost, since the mediator is a universal, target sequence-independent molecule. In further embodiments, it is also possible to use a plurality of probes or primers per target molecule to which mediators labeled with fluorescent dyes are bound, wherein the sequences of the mediators and the emission wavelengths of the fluorescent dyes may differ (FIG. 9).

Example 15: Use of an Isothermal Amplification Method In this embodiment, the detection method according to the invention is described for

Detection of DNA in an isothermal amplification method, for example, the LAMP used. The mechanism of mediator release during a LAMP is detailed in FIG. The initial amplification steps of a LAMP lead to a dumbbell-like structure of an intermediate amplification product. The mediator probe, which in this example acts as a primer, can bind to this intermediate

Bind amplification product and be extended in a next step. By displacing the intermediate amplification product, another primer can bind to the extended mediator probe and be extended. During this process, the mediator is displaced by the Strand Displacement Polymerase. The released

Mediator can now bind to a detection molecule with hairpin structure and also be extended. During extension of the mediator, the 5 'end of the closed hairpin structure of the detection molecule is displaced from the complementary region, generating a fluorescence signal.

In a suitable reaction vessel sample and the required reagents are presented and the mixture is incubated (between 10 min and 60 min at about 62 ° C). During this process the fluorescence in the reaction vessel is detected. In the following, the described embodiment is described in detail using the example of a LAMP:

For a real-time LAMP for the detection of E. coli DNA (W31 10, complete genome), the primers listed in Table 1 were used. The LAMP primers were taken from (Tanner et al., 2012) and partially modified. The mediator probe was combined with the LoopF primer by attaching a mediator binding region to the 5 'end of the primer, where

The latter can hybridize with a mediator. Mediator, Mediator Binding Region LoopF and the detection molecule were generated manually and using VisualOMP (DNA

Software, USA). The synthetic oligonucleotides of Table 1 were synthesized by Biomers (biomers.net, Ulm, Germany). Table 1: Sequences of primer, mediator and detection molecule for a real-time LAMP for the detection of E. coli DNA.

The LAMP reaction was performed with Bst 2.0 Warmstart DNA Polymerase in 1 x isothermal

Amplification Buffer (New England Biolabs, Frankfurt, Germany). 1 x Isothermal Amplification Buffer contains 20 mM Tris-HCl, 10 mM (NH ₄ ) ₂ SO 4, 50 mM KCl, 2 mM MgSC-4 and 0.1% Tween® 20 (pH 8.8 at 25 ° C.). In addition, the buffer was spiked with MgSO ₄ (New England Biolabs, Frankfurt, Germany), final concentration 8.0 mM, and with dNTP Mix (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany), final concentration 1 .4 mM. The LAMP reaction consisted of 1.6 μΜ FIP and BIP, 0.2 μΜ F3 and B3, 0.8 μΜ LoopB, 0.6 μΜ LoopF, 0.2 μΜ LoopF with mediator binding region, 0.1 μΜ mediator, 0.05 μΜ detection molecule, 320 U / ml Bst 2.0 Warmstart DNA Polymerase, 1 x Isothermal Amplification Buffer and 1 g / L BSA. The reaction was carried out in a Rotor-Gene 6000 (Corbett, Mortlake, Australia, now Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) at 62 ° C in triplicates. The fluorescence data were normalized to the initial value at 0 min (FIG. 11).

The detection method was also used in a LAMP of Haemophilus ducreyi (H. ducreyi) and Treponema pallidum (T pallidum). The implementation, as well

Reaction conditions were identical to the LAMP of E. coli already described, but with sequence-specific primers for H. ducreyi and T. pallidum. The fluorescence data were normalized to the initial value at 0 min (Figures 26 and 27).

Example 16: Process according to the invention using an RT-LAMP In further embodiments, the detection method according to the invention can be used for the detection of RNA, whereby the RNA is rewritten by means of reverse transcription (RT) or by another suitable enzymatic system into cDNA and then the cDNA is amplified. In the following, the exemplary embodiment will be described in detail with reference to an RT-LAMP:

For RT-LAMP for detection of HIV-1 RNA, the primers listed in Table 2 were used. The RT-LAMP primers were taken from (Curtis et al., 2008) and partially modified. The mediator probe was combined with the LoopF primer by attaching a mediator binding region to the 5 'end of the primer, the latter being able to hybridize to a mediator. Mediator, LoopF with Mediatorbinderegion and the

Detection molecule were created manually and using VisualOMP. The synthetic oligonucleotides Mediator, LoopF with mediator binding sequence and

Detector molecules were synthesized by Biomers (biomers.net, Ulm, Germany) and the primers FIP, BIP, F3, B3, LoopF and LoopB were synthesized by Ella Biotech (Martinsried, Germany). The template RNA (HIV, VR-3245SD) was synthesized by ATCC, LGC Standards GmbH (Wesel, Germany).

Table 2: Primer, Mediator and Detector Sequences for a real-time RT-LAMP for the detection of HIV-1 RNA.

The RT-LAMP reaction was performed with Bst 2.0 Warmstart DNA Polymerase (New England Biolabs, Frankfurt, Germany) and Transcriptor Reverse Transcriptase (Roche

Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) in 1 x Isothermal Amplification Buffer (New England Biolabs, Frankfurt, Germany). In this case, 10 mM 2 mM contains 1 x Isothermal Amplification Buffer 20 mM Tris-HCl, (NH ₄₎ ₂ S0 _4, 50 mM KCl, MgS0 ₄ and 0.1% Tween ^® 20 (pH 8.8 at 25 ° C). In addition, the buffer was spiked with MgSO ₄ (New England Biolabs, Frankfurt, Germany), final concentration 8.0 mM, and with dNTP Mix (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany), final concentration 1 .4 mM. The RT-LAMP reaction consisted of 1 .6 μΜ FIP and BIP, 0.2 μΜ F3 and B3, 0.8 μΜ LoopB, 0.6 μΜ LoopF, 0.2 μΜ LoopF with

Mediator binding region, 0.1 μΜ mediator, 0.05 μΜ detection molecule, 320 U / ml Bst 2.0

Warmstart DNA polymerase, 400 U / ml transcriptor reverse transcriptase and 1x

Amplification buffer. The reaction was carried out in a Rotor-Gene 6000 (Corbett, Mortlake, Australia, now Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) at 63 ° C in triplicates. The positive control contained 3,400 copies / reaction of synthetic HIV-1 RNA, the negative control contained no HIV-1 RNA. The fluorescence data were normalized to the initial value at 0 min (Figure 12).

The detection method was also successfully used in a RT-LAMP of human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1) and tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) RNA. The procedure and reaction conditions were identical to the previously described RT-LAMP of HIV-1, but with sequence-specific primers for HTLV-1 and TMV. The fluorescence data were normalized to the initial value at 0 min (Figures 28 and 29).

Example 17 Method According to the Invention Using Non-Isothermal

Amplification Reactions In further embodiments of the invention, the inventive

Detection method for the detection of DNA in a non-isothermal amplification reaction, such as PCR or PCDR, are used. In this case, one of the primers or a plurality of primers is modified in such a way that this or this one

Represent mediator probe. Sample and the required reagents are placed in a suitable reaction vessel and the mixture is incubated. During this process the fluorescence in the reaction vessel is detected. In the following, the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to a PCDR:

For a real-time PCDR for detection of mouse DNA, the primers listed in Table 3 were used. The PCDR primer for the amplification of G3PDH DNA were taken from (Ignatov et al., 2014) and partially modified. The mediator probe was generated using the F3 primer by placing a primer at the 5 'end of the primer

Mediatorbinderegion was added, the latter can hybridize with a mediator. Mediator, F3 with mediator binding region, and the detection molecule were created manually and using VisualOMP. The primers, as well as the synthetic oligonucleotides mediator, F3 with mediator binding sequence and detection molecule were from Biomers

(biomers.net, Ulm, Germany). The mouse G3PDH DNA sequence to be amplified was taken from (Ignatov et al., 2014) and the G3PDH fragment was synthesized by Integrated DNA Technologies (IDT, Coralville, IA). Table 3: Primer, Mediator and Detector Molecule Sequences for a real-time PCDR for the detection of mice G3PDH DNA.

PCDR was performed with SD Hotstart DNA Polymerase in 1X SD buffer (Bioron, Ludwigshafen, Germany). In addition, the buffer was treated with MgC (Bioron, Ludwigshafen, Germany), final concentration 2.75 mM, and dNTPs (New England Biolabs, Frankfurt,

Germany), final concentration 0.25 mM. The PCDR response consisted of 0.1 μΜ F3 and F3 each with mediator binding region, 0.2 μΜ R3, 0.1 μΜ F2 and R2, 0.05 μΜ F1 and R1, 0.05 μΜ mediator, 0.05 μΜ detection molecule, 200 U / ml SD Hotstart DNA polymerase and 1 × SD Buffer. The reaction was performed in a Rotor-Gene 6000 (Corbett, Mortlake, Australia, now Qiagen, Hilden, Germany) according to the following protocol (Ignatov et al., 2014): initial denaturation at 92 ° C for 2 min, followed by 45 cycles 92 ° C (15 sec) and 66 ° C (40 sec). The fluorescence data were normalized to the initial value at 0 cycles (Figure 30). The positive control contained 100 pg of G3PDH fragment per reaction, the negative control contained no template DNA.

Example 18: Mediator probe according to the invention, which does not function as a primer In further exemplary embodiments, the detection method according to the invention can be used for

Detection of DNA or RNA with increased specificity can be used. It does not serve as a primer Mediatorsonde, but it is a special probe used, which does not serve as a starting point of an amplification. In the absence of the target molecule, the probe is present in closed form. Once the target molecule is in the reaction mixture, the mediator probe binds to the target molecule or template molecule, allowing a primer to bind to the 3 'end of the now opened mediator probe. By processing with a suitable enzyme system, the annealed primer can be extended with displacement of the mediator from the mediator probe. The released mediator can be detected by a specific detection molecule. The enzymatic

Amplification process may include, but is not limited to isothermal methods (Figure 13).

Example 19: Use of Target Molecule-Specific Aptamers

In further embodiments, the detection method according to the invention for

Detection of target molecules can be applied by target-specific aptamers. Target molecule-specific aptamers, the sample to be examined and detection molecules are added to a suitable reaction vessel. The target molecule to be detected may be, for example, but not limited to, a protein or peptide. An aptamer binds to the target molecule and alters its structure so that after interaction, an aptamer-specific mediator probe and primer can anneal. By processing with a suitable enzyme system, primers attached to the aptamer (FIG. 14: white label in the aptamer) can be extended, as a result of which amplification of the aptamer sequence outside the protein binding region is achieved. By binding a mediator probe to a linear amplification product, the probe is opened, with the aid of further primers displacement of the mediator from the mediator probe. The released mediator can be detected using a specific detection molecule or a suitable detection method. The enzymatic amplification process may include, but is not limited to isothermal methods (Figure 14).

Example 20: Modified mediator probes containing an aptamer region, a

Possess mediator binding region and a primer binder region. In preferred embodiments, the detection method according to the invention can be used to detect target molecules by modified mediator probes which have a

Aptamer region, a mediator binding region and a primer binder region. The target molecule to be detected may be, for example, a protein or peptide but is not limited thereto. In the absence of the target molecule, the primer binds to the mediator probe and can be extended by processing with a suitable enzyme system, with displacement of the mediator from the mediator probe. The released mediator can trigger a detectable signal with the help of a specific detection molecule or a detection method. If the target molecule is present, the aptamer region of the mediator probe binds to the target molecule, causing the at the

Primerbinderegion annealed primer can not be extended (Figure 15). at

Presence of the target molecule is therefore a signal drop compared to

Absence of the target molecule detected. The enzymatic amplification process may include, but is not limited to, isothermal methods. Example 21: Use of an aptamer comprising a protein binding region flanked by primer binding regions

To generate an exponential detection reaction, a mediator probe consisting of a primer with a mediator hybridization sequence at the 5 'end and a mediator hybridized thereto is used. In addition, an aptamer, which is a

Protein binding region flanked by primer binder regions. In the presence of the target molecule, the aptamer binds to the target molecule. Primers that now bind to the aptamer can not be extended due to binding to the target molecule. Consequently, the mediator is not released and, in the presence of the target molecule, a signal drop is thus detected compared to the absence of the target molecule. In the absence of the target molecule, primers can bind to the aptamer and be extended by

Mediator release leads to a signal increase. The enzymatic amplification process may include, but is not limited to isothermal methods (Figure 16).

Example 22 Immobilization of Detection Molecules

In further preferred embodiments of the detection method according to the invention, the detection molecules can be immobilized in a suitable reaction vessel on a solid phase. Subsequently, the sample and the required reagents are the

Reaction vessel added and the mixture incubated under the appropriate conditions. The sample may consist of DNA, RNA and / or peptides or proteins. at

Presence of the target molecule displaces the mediator from the mediator probe and can diffuse in the reaction mixture to the immobilized detection molecule. The Method includes but is not limited to isothermal amplification methods (Figure 17).

Example 23: Use of Relaxometry

In further embodiments, the detection method according to the invention in

Combination with magnetic relaxometry can be used for the detection of target molecules. The detection molecules can be bound to magnetic particles and allow detection by magnetic relaxometry. At the magnetic

Relaxometry, the magnetic particles are magnetized by a short, magnetic pulse and thereby detects the degradation of the induced magnetic moment. The hydrodynamic resistance of particles, to which mediators are bound and extended via the detection molecules immobilized on the particles, is greater, ie the hydrodynamic resistance of particles to which no mediators bind. Particles to which mediators bind and extend, therefore, reduce their induced magnetic moment more slowly than particles to which no mediators bind. The relaxation times of the induced magnetic moments of said

Particles therefore differ from each other, whereby the release of mediators can be detected. By combining magnetic relaxometry with melting curve analysis, different target molecules can be detected side by side in a sample. The method includes, but is not limited to, isothermal amplification methods.

Example 24: Use of Magnetic or Magnetisable Particles

In further embodiments, the detection method according to the invention in

Combination with magnetic or magnetizable particles for the detection of

Target molecules are used (Figure 31). The mediators are bound to magnetic or magnetizable nanoparticles. Several mediators can be simultaneously bound to a particle. According to the invention, the mediators initially hybridize with primers. During amplification of the target or template molecule, the mediator is displaced from the primer and can subsequently hybridize with a detection molecule immobilized on the solid phase. The binding between the released mediator and the detection molecule causes the nanoparticles to reach the surface of the solid phase

introduced, whereby a change in the magnetic properties can be detected. Magnetic field sensors which, for example, but not exclusively, are based on galvanomagnetic, magneto-resistive, magneto-optical effects or on the Josephson effect can be used for the detection of a signal change on the surface of the solid phase. False-positive signals by attaching the non- To prevent released mediator / particle units on the solid phase, the non-released mediator / particle units can be separated from the solid phase by applying a weak magnetic field.

Example 25: Electrochemical detection with detection molecules containing a

Have hairpin structure

In further embodiments, the detection method according to the invention in

Combination with electrochemical detection can be used for the detection of target molecules. In this embodiment, the detection molecule is immobilized on an electrode which simultaneously constitutes the solid phase. The released mediator can hybridize to the detection molecule in the mediator binding region and be extended by a polymerase. The mediator binding region may be in different regions of the detection molecule. The detection molecule may have a hairpin structure and be labeled at the 5 'end with a redox molecule. By extending the

Mediators displaces the 5 'end of the detection molecule and the latter works.

By displacing the labeled 5'-end, the distance between the redox molecule and the electrode surface increases, whereby a detectable signal change takes place. The method involves, but is not limited to, isothermal amplification methods (Figure 18). Example 26: Detection by electrochemical detection on a solid phase

In this preferred embodiment, the detection by electrochemical

Detection take place on a solid phase. In this embodiment, the detection molecule is immobilized on an electrode which simultaneously constitutes the solid phase. The released mediator can hybridize to the detection molecule in the mediator binding region and be extended by a polymerase. After extension, redox molecules can intercalate and intercalate into the dimer of detection molecule and extended mediator

generate electrochemical signal which can be detected (Figure 8). Signal generation may also take place without extension of the mediator of FIG. 20. In this case, the mediator can be label-free and intercalating redox molecules can be used and / or the mediator can be labeled with one or more redox molecules. If the mediator is labeled with a redox molecule, binding of the released mediator and optionally subsequent extension of the mediator to the detection molecule will result in signal generation as described in Figures 21-23. In a further embodiment, the detection molecule is with one or marked several redox molecules. The binding of the released mediator and optionally subsequent extension of the mediator to the detection molecule leads to a signal change according to FIG. 24. It may be advantageous to release several mediators per target molecule and / or amplicon in order to obtain a stronger signal. The release of several mediators per target molecule can be realized, for example, by attaching mediators to several different mediator probes.

In the following, particular attention is paid to the electrochemical detection according to FIG. The mediator is labeled with (a) redox molecule (s) and released during amplification. In this embodiment, the unlabeled detection molecule is on one

Electrode, which simultaneously represents the solid phase, immobilized and the liberated

Mediator can hybridize to the detection molecule in the mediator binding region. Due to the spatial proximity between the redox molecule at the mediator and the electrode surface, a signal change can be detected. The detection can be done in real time during the

Amplification reaction or as endpoint detection by transferring the

Amplification products take place on the electrode surface. The embodiment will be described below with reference to the electrochemical endpoint detection of

Amplification products of a LAMP of E. coli described in detail:

The LAMP reaction was carried out analogously as described in Example 15. However, for electrochemical detection, mediator, mediator binding loop and detector molecule were adjusted accordingly (Table 1). Mediator binding sequence and detection molecule were synthesized by Biomers (biomers.net, Ulm, Germany) and the mediator modified with a methylene blue derivative (Atto MB2) by IBA Lifesciences (Göttingen, Germany).

Table 1 LoopF_with mediator binding sequence, mediator and detection molecule Sequences for the electrochemical detection of a LAMP of E. coli.

After performing the LAMP of £ as described in Example 15. coli DNA, the reaction mixture was transferred into a chamber with an electrode on which the detection molecules are immobilized. Electrochemical detection of released mediators in The positive control reaction (60,000 copies of E. coli DNA) was performed by square-wave voltammetry (Figure 32). In the positive control, the mediators are displaced during the LAMP reaction and can hybridize to the detection molecule after transferring the reaction mixture into the electrode chamber. Accordingly, the labeled mediator (here with methylene blue) accumulates on the electrode surface, which leads to the formation of a characteristic peak at -0.39 V in the case of electrochemical analysis (in this case square-wave voltammetry). In contrast, the absence of a negative control (NTC) peak indicates that no significant release of mediators has occurred. The application of the detection method according to the invention in combination with the electrochemical detection proves to be particularly advantageous since there is no need after the amplification reaction, further modifications or

To carry out reaction steps.

Example 27: Parallel Detection of DNA, RNA, Peptides and / or Proteins

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, DNA, RNA and peptides or proteins or another combination of the mentioned substance classes are detected in parallel by the described methods in one batch. The method includes, but is not limited to, isothermal amplification methods.

references

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Claims

claims

1 . Mediator probe for the detection of at least one target molecule, wherein the

Mediator probe comprises at least two oligonucleotides, characterized in that

a) a first oligonucleotide, a probe region and a mediator binding region

includes, where

i. the probe region has an affinity for a target molecule and / or

Having template molecule, and

ii. the mediator binding region has an affinity for at least one mediator, and

b) at least one further oligonucleotide is a mediator which

i. via the mediator binding region to the first oligonucleotide of the

Mediator probe is bound, and

ii. has an affinity for at least one detection molecule, wherein the mediator triggers a detectable signal after release from the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe by interaction with the detection molecule.

2. mediator probe according to claim 1, characterized in that the first

Oligonucleotide of the mediator probe and / or the mediator no mark to

Signal generation includes.

3. Mediator probe according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe and / or the mediator one or more

Contains labels for signal generation, preferably a fluorescent molecule, a redox molecule, a luminescent molecule or another signal-generating unit.

4. System comprising at least one mediator probe according to one of claims 1 to 3 and at least one detection molecule, characterized in that the at least one detection molecule comprises one or more oligonucleotides and comprises at least a first region which interacts with at least one mediator, and

a) a second region which has a fluorescence acceptor or a fluorescence donor and / or a chemical group for binding to a solid phase and / or a chemical protective group and / or redox modifications and / or luminescence modifications, and / or b) a third region which has a fluorescence donor or a fluorescence acceptor and / or a chemical group for binding to a solid phase and / or a chemical protective group and / or redox modifications and / or luminescence modifications,

or

d) at least one fifth region containing at least one second probe

which has a fluorescence donor and / or a fluorescence acceptor.

5. System according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the

Detection molecule has a hairpin structure.

6. A method for detecting at least one target molecule, comprising the following

Steps:

b) binding of the probe region of the first oligonucleotide of the at least one

Mediatorsonde to a sequence of the template molecule and / or the target molecule, c) amplification of the first oligonucleotide of the at least one Mediatorsonde and / or the template molecule and / or the target molecule,

at least one detection molecule, and

f) detection of a signal change.

7. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that

at least one mediator binds to the first region of the detection molecule and is enzymatically extended by at least one auxiliary molecule, wherein the auxiliary molecule preferably binds to the 3'-terminus of the bound mediator, whereby a physically or chemically measurable change of the detection molecule takes place.

8. The method according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that the 3'-terminus of the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe after binding of the probe region the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe is enzymatically extended to a sequence of the template molecule and / or the target molecule by an auxiliary molecule.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the

Amplification of the first oligonucleotide of the mediator probe and / or the

Template molecule and / or target molecule by an isothermal or non-isothermal amplification method is carried out.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that the

Detection molecule has at least one fluorescence or luminescence modification and after the reaction with the at least one mediator by means of a

Helper molecule of the detection molecule cleaved off the fluorescence or luminescence modifications and / or the 5'-terminus of the hairpin structure of the

Detective molecule removed and / or the hairpin structure is unfolded and a change of the fluorescence signal or luminescence signal is detected at the detection molecule.

1 1. Method according to one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that a plurality of mediators per mediator probe and / or a plurality of mediator probes and / or a plurality of detection molecules per target molecule are used.

12. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 1 1, characterized in that the at least one auxiliary molecule has a DNA strand-separating action and / or a polymerizing effect, wherein it is preferably a Strand Displacement Polymerase in the auxiliary molecule.

13. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that the target molecule and / or the template molecule is a biomolecule selected from the group comprising DNA, RNA, peptide, protein, aptamer and / or a combination thereof.

14. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that the auxiliary molecule is selected from the group comprising polymerases, catalysts, proteins, nucleic acids, natural products, enzymes, enzyme systems, cell lysates, cell components, from cell Ingredients derived derivatives and / or synthetic

Molecules.

15. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 14, characterized in that by direct or indirect interaction between immobilized or non-immobilized detection molecule and at least one mediator, a measurable change in

Fluorescence, phosphorescence, luminescence, mass, absorption, scattering of light, electrical conductivity, enzymatic activity and / or affinity, electrochemical potential or signal, refractive index, excitation of surface plasmons, magnetic relaxation, magnetic property, impedance or capacitance.

16. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 15, characterized in that the

Release of the at least one mediator is detected by an amplification of the at least one mediator by means of an isothermal or non-isothermal amplification method.

17. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 16, characterized in that the at least one liberated mediator is detected by sequencing.

18. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 17, characterized in that the at least one released mediator binds by hybridization to the detection molecule, is optionally extended by binding to the detection molecule by an auxiliary molecule, and then a melting curve analysis is performed.