Fluorophore Labeled Nucleic Acid Probes

This investigation is aimed at devising ways and special instrumentation for using fluorescentlanthanide chelates, detected by time resolved fluorometry, as a means for detecting nucleic acids in avariety of settings such as Southern blots and cells or tissues (e.g., as in situ hybridization). Thesemethodologies have the potential of high sensitivity, since time-resolved fluorometry permits detectionof signal in the virtual absence of background fluorescence. Therefore, high intensity light can be usedto excite the fluorescence. Established techniques and literature indicate that for other applications thistype of approach is at least as sensitive as other methods, including radioisotopic or chemiluminescence--based or enzyme-based methods. This approach would have the advantage of speed, since aphotographic or electronic imaging record of the results can be obtained essentially instantaneously.