A sensitive and homogeneous SNP detection using cationic conjugated polymers

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) comprise the most abundant source of genetic variation in the human genome. A SNP and allele frequency analysis method was established using an optically amplifying water-soluble cationic conjugated polymer and highly selective single base extension reaction in a simple, convenient, homogenous, and sensitive manner. The higher FRET efficiency between PFP and dGTP-Fl is correlated to the incorporation of dGTP-Fl into the probe by one base extension reaction when the target/probe pair is complementary at the polymorphic site. The mutant-type target DNA can be detected in the presence of the wild-type target in which the concentration is much higher than that of mutant-type target. As low as 2% allele frequency can be accurately determined by this new assay method.