Application of Padlock Probe Based Nucleic Acid Analysis In Situ

The great variation displayed by nucleic acid molecules in human cells, and the continuous discovery of their impact on life, consequently require continuous refinements of molecular analysis techniques. Padlock probes and rolling circle amplification offer single nucleotide discrimination in situ, a high signal-to-noise ratio and localized detection within cells and tissues. In this thesis, in situ detection of nucleic acids with padlock probes and rolling circle amplification was applied for detection of DNA in the single cell gel electrophoresis assay to detect nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. This assay is used to measure DNA damage and repair. The behaviour of mitochondrial DNA in the single cell gel electrophoresis assay has earlier been controversial, but it was shown herein that mitochondrial DNA diffuses away early in the assay. In contrast, Alu repeats remain associated with the nuclear matrix throughout the procedure. A new twelve gel approach was also developed with increased throughput of the single cell gel electrophoresis assay. DNA repair of three genes OGG1, XPD and HPRT and of Alu repeats after H2O2 induced damage was further monitored. All three genes and Alu repeats were repaired faster than total DNA. Finally, padlock probes and rolling circle amplification were applied for detection of the single stranded RNA virus Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. The virus was detected by first reverse transcribing RNA into cDNA.. The virus RNA together with its complementary RNA and the nucleocapsid protein were detected in cultured cells. The work presented here enables studies of gene specific damage and repair as well as viral infections in situ. Detection by ligation offers high specificity and makes it possible to discriminate even between closely related molecules. Therefore, these techniques will be useful for a wide range of applications within research and diagnostics