Chaotic mixer improves microarray hybridization

Hybridization is an important aspect of microarray experimental design which influences array signal levels and the repeatability of data within an array and across different arrays. Current methods typically require 24h and use target inefficiently. In these studies, we compare hybridization signals obtained in conventional static hybridization, which depends on diffusional target delivery, with signals obtained in a dynamic hybridization chamber, which employs a fluid mixer based on chaotic advection theory to deliver targets across a conventional glass slide array. Microarrays were printed with a pattern of 102 identical probe spots containing a 65-mer oligonucleotide capture probe. Hybridization of a 725-bp fluorescently labeled target was used to measure average target hybridization levels, local signal-to-noise ratios, and array hybridization uniformity. Dynamic hybridization for 1h with 1 or 10ng of target DNA increased hybridization signal intensities approximately threefold over a 24-h static hybridization. Similarly, a 10- or 60-min dynamic hybridization of 10ng of target DNA increased hybridization signal intensities fourfold over a 24h static hybridization. In time course studies, static hybridization reached a maximum within 8 to 12h using either 1 or 10ng of target. In time course studies using the dynamic hybridization chamber, hybridization using 1ng of target increased to a maximum at 4h and that using 10ng of target did not vary over the time points tested. In comparison to static hybridization, dynamic hybridization reduced the signal-to-noise ratios threefold and reduced spot-to-spot variation twofold. Therefore, we conclude that dynamic hybridization based on a chaotic mixer design improves both the speed of hybridization and the maximum level of hybridization while increasing signal-to-noise ratios and reducing spot-to-spot variation.     

优化菌落原位杂交体系筛选野生稻基因组文库

菌落原位杂交仍是当今筛选基因组文库的重要方法之一,但难以保持背景清晰和阳性杂交点明显的稳定的杂交体系.通过对杂交膜不同处理方法的对比,表明利用溶菌酶处理杂交体系进行菌落原位杂交筛选,其杂交结果背景较干净,且能根据杂交信号的强弱很清晰地显色阳性黑点.采用该法筛选野生稻基因组文库,已筛选出22个阳性克隆,并测序分析均为阳性克隆.     

Strategies for optimizing DNA hybridization on surfaces

Specific and predictable hybridization of the polynucleotide sequences to their complementary counterparts plays a fundamental role in the rational design of new nucleic acid nanodevices. Generally, nucleic acid hybridization can be performed using two major strategies, namely hybridization of DNA or RNA targets to surface-tethered oligonucleotide probes (solid-phase hybridization) and hybridization of the target nucleic acids to randomly distributed probes in solution (solution-phase hybridization). Investigations into thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of these two strategies showed that hybridization on surfaces is less favorable than that of the same sequence in solution. Indeed, the efficiency of DNA hybridization on surfaces suffers from three constraints: (1) electrostatic repulsion between DNA strands on the surface, (2) steric hindrance between tethered DNA probes, and (3) nonspecific adsorption of the attached oligonucleotides to the solid surface. During recent years, several strategies have been developed to overcome the problems associated with DNA hybridization on surfaces. Optimizing the probe surface density, application of a linker between the solid surface and the DNA-recognizing sequence, optimizing the pH of DNA hybridization solutions, application of thiol reagents, and incorporation of a polyadenine block into the terminal end of the recognizing sequence are among the most important strategies for enhancing DNA hybridization on surfaces.     

Fine‐scale environmental control of hybridization in oaks

Natural hybridization is attracting much interest in modern speciation and conservation biology studies, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In particular, it is unclear why environmental changes often increase hybridization rates. To study this question, we surveyed mating events in a mixed oak stand and developed a spatially explicit individual‐based hybridization model. This model, where hybridization is frequency‐dependent, pollen is nonlimiting and which allows immigrant pollen to compete with local pollen, takes into account species‐specific pollen dispersal and sexual barriers to hybridization. The consequences of pollen limitation on hybridization were studied using another simple model. The results indicate that environmental changes could increase hybridization rates through two distinct mechanisms. First, by disrupting the spatial organization of communities, they should decrease the proportion of conspecific pollen available for mating, thus increasing hybridization rates. Second, by decreasing the density of conspecifics, they should increase pollen limitation and thus hybridization rates, as a consequence of chance pollination predominating over deterministic pollen competition. Altogether, our results point to a need for considering hybridization events at the appropriate level of organization and provide new insights into why hybridization rates generally increase in disturbed environments.     

An assay for quantitative nucleic acid hybridization on membrane filters

A quantitative nucleic acid hybridization assay based on a 6-mm-diameter nitrocellulose membrane filter and only 20 microliters of hybridization mixture per determination is described. As a consequence of the small ratio of hybridization volume to membrane surface, the hybridization rates reached in this system are higher than those obtained at volume to surface ratios of conventional protocols, allowing even RNA at very low concentrations to complete hybridization. This advantage, together with the high reproducibility and hybrid stability obtained with the assay, increases the ability of the filter hybridization technique to analyze quantitatively minute amounts of RNA.     

Quantitation of in situ hybridization of ribosomal ribonucleic acids to human diploid cells

The hybridization of 5S and 28S ribosomal RNAs to human fibroblast and leukocyte cells was used as a model system to quantitate the technique of in situ hybridization for human diploid cell types. Quantitation consisted of counting (scoring) the number of grains formed over both interphase nuclei and metaphase chromosomes on slides after various hybridization procedures. The average number of grains/nucleus per slide was then used to determine hybridization percentages. As with nitrocellulose filter hybridizations the kinetics of in situ hybridizations can be fit with a single first-order rate constant. However, the in situ hybridization rate was approximately 10 times slower than the corresponding filter hybridization rate. The efficiency of in situ hybridization was found to range between 5 and 15% for both leukocyte and fibroblast cell types and for both metaphase and interphase nuclei. Determination of the parameters of the in situ hybridization reaction of ribosomal RNAs to diploid chromosomes define the experimental conditions needed for the localization of single copy genes to diploid chromosomes.     

Reef fish hybridization: lessons learnt from butterflyfishes (genus Chaetodon)

Natural hybridization is widespread among coral reef fishes. However, the ecological promoters and evolutionary consequences of reef fish hybridization have not been thoroughly evaluated. Butterflyfishes form a high number of hybrids and represent an appropriate group to investigate hybridization in reef fishes. This study provides a rare test of terrestrially derived hybridization theory in the marine environment by examining hybridization between Chaetodon trifasciatus and C. lunulatus at Christmas Island. Overlapping spatial and dietary ecologies enable heterospecific encounters. Nonassortative mating and local rarity of both parent species appear to permit heterospecific breeding pair formation. Microsatellite loci and mtDNA confirmed the status of hybrids, which displayed the lowest genetic diversity in the sample and used a reduced suite of resources, suggesting decreased adaptability. Maternal contribution to hybridization was unidirectional, and no introgression was detected, suggesting limited, localized evolutionary consequences of hybridization.Comparisons to other reef fish hybridization studies revealed that different evolutionary consequences emerge, despite being promoted by similar factors, possibly due to the magnitude of genetic distance between hybridizing species. This study highlights the need for further enquiry aimed at evaluating the importance and long-term consequences of reef fish hybridization.     

Real-time measurements of DNA hybridization on microparticles with fluorescence resonance energy transfer

When capture oligonucleotides are tethered on planar surfaces, mass transport limitations influence the kinetics of solid-phase nucleic acid hybridizations. By diffusion theory, however, hybridization of oligonucleotides on microparticles should be reaction-rate limited. In an initial effort to understand the kinetics of microparticle hybridization reactions, we developed a fluorescence resonance energy transfer method for monitoring oligonucleotide hybridization on microparticles. Microparticles were coated with a fluoresceinated oligomer at surface densities of 20, 40, and 80% saturation, hybridized to a complementary oligonucleotide labeled with tetramethylrhodamine, and monitored over time for quenching of the fluorescein signal as hybridization occurred on the particle surface. Association rate constants were compared for microparticle-based hybridization and solution-phase hybridization. Rate constants for hybridizations on the particle surface were about an order of magnitude less than those for hybridization in solution, but decreasing the surface density of the capture oligonucleotide to 20% saturation improved particle hybridization rates. Although a bimolecular reaction model adequately described solution-phase hybridization kinetics, oligonucleotide hybridization on microparticles did not fit this model but exhibited biphasic reaction kinetics. Based on two different lines of reasoning, we argue that microparticle-based oligonucleotide hybridization was indeed reaction-rate limited in our system and not diffusion-rate limited.     

An efficient procedure for serial nucleic acid hybridizations by titration analysis.

A simplified and efficient procedure has been developed for performing hybridization reactions and analyses of the percentage of hybridization on glass plates. This method is as accurate as conventional methods, while considerably reducing the time and costs to perform the hybridization in titration hybridization experiments.     

Nucleic acid hybridization: from research tool to routine diagnostic method

The nucleic acid hybridization reaction is extremely specific and thus a valuable tool for the identification of genes or organism of interest. The increasing use of nucleic acid hybridization in applied fields like diagnostic medicine has led to the development of more convenient hybridization assays than those originally used in basic research. In conventional nucleic acid hybridization methods immobilized nucleic acids are detected on a filter by a radiolabelled probe. Sandwich hybridization is a simple test format for the analysis of unpurified biological material, but has the disadvantage of a slow reaction rate. Solution hybridization methods are fast and easy to perform provided that a method to separate the formed hybrids from the reaction mixture is available. In non-isotopic detection the nucleic acid probe is modified with a chemical group, which is identified with a labelled detector molecule after hybridization. The low sensitivity of detection is the main problem in nucleic acid hybridization methods. Procedures to amplify the detectable signal or the amount of detectable nucleic acid sequences are potential solutions to this problem. The new hybridization methods have successfully been used for some applications, but still need to be combined into well performing tests to be applicable to any desired purpose.     

Fast and Non-Toxic In Situ Hybridization without Blocking of Repetitive Sequences

Formamide is the preferred solvent to lower the melting point and annealing temperature of nucleic acid strands in in situ hybridization (ISH). A key benefit of formamide is better preservation of morphology due to a lower incubation temperature. However, in fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), against unique DNA targets in tissue sections, an overnight hybridization is required to obtain sufficient signal intensity. Here, we identified alternative solvents and developed a new hybridization buffer that reduces the required hybridization time to one hour (IQFISH method). Remarkably, denaturation and blocking against repetitive DNA sequences to prevent non-specific binding is not required. Furthermore, the new hybridization buffer is less hazardous than formamide containing buffers. The results demonstrate a significant increased hybridization rate at a lowered denaturation and hybridization temperature for both DNA and PNA (peptide nucleic acid) probes. We anticipate that these formamide substituting solvents will become the foundation for changes in the understanding and performance of denaturation and hybridization of nucleic acids. For example, the process time for tissue-based ISH for gene aberration tests in cancer diagnostics can be reduced from days to a few hours. Furthermore, the understanding of the interactions and duplex formation of nucleic acid strands may benefit from the properties of these solvents.     

Hybridization properties of immobilized nucleic acids.

The 5'-end attachment of oligonucleotides to dextran supports facilitates the study of the hybridization properties of an immobilized oligonucleotide system. The hybridization properties which were studied include: hybridization capacity and kinetics, hybridization-complex stability, and reagents influencing hybridization efficiency. Results of these experiments reveal that the hybridization efficiencies of support-bound oligonucleotides were 75-80% and 40-50% for single-stranded oligonucleotide targets and long double-stranded targets, respectively. These hybridization efficiencies are dependent upon prehybridizing the support-bound oligonucleotides with dextran sulfate. In addition, comparisons of the relative hybridization efficiencies of the support-bound oligonucleotide and nitrocellulose-based systems have been made which indicate a retention of 13-28% of target sequences on the filters and a detection efficiency of 8-20%.     

Prolonged hybridization with a cRNA probe improves the signal to noise ratio for in-tube in situ hybridization for quantification of mRNA after fluorescence-activated cell sorting

We developed an in-tube in situ hybridization method for mRNA quantification after fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS-mQ). A specific RNA in a particular cell type is stained with a cRNA probe and a fluorescent dye, which allows the stained cells to be selected by FACS without excessive RNA degradation. Our previous protocol required 4 h for hybridization with a cRNA probe, which might not produce enough fluorescence signal for sorting genes with low expressions. We determined the effect of prolonged hybridization for in-tube in situ hybridization on quantitative measurement of intracellular RNAs. During the hybridization step, the quantity of ACTB mRNA decreased gradually until 4 h, but remained constant from 4 to 16 h below 63.6° C. For flow cytometry, cells hybridization with cRNA probes for TG mRNA at 60° C for 16 h showed both increased signal and decreased background fluorescence compared to those hybridized for 4 h. These results indicate that when performing in-tube in situ hybridization, hybridization temperature can be raised to 63.6° C and the hybridization step can be extended up to 16 h without excessive intracellular RNA degradation.     

Theory of RNA-DNA hybridization—I. Stoichiometry at equilibrium

The equations relating hybridized RNA to free RNA, in the case of simple hybridization, or to ratio of labelled and unlabelled RNA in competitive hybridization, are derived. Analysis of the equations shows how hybridization data may be used to infer properties of the distribution of components in an RNA mixture, or the relation between two distributions in competitive hybridization. A critical examination of the assumptions underlying the equations indicates that some of then may be violated in certain cases, or have no current support, evidential or theoretical. The consequences of such qualifications for the interpretation of hybridization data are indicated.     

作物远缘杂交育种的途径及其实质

作物远缘杂交的育种可操作性及效果多年来颇有争议,科学家对物种起源与进化的研究恰恰是指导作物远缘杂交育种的理论基础。物种形成理论研究表明生命的共同起源是远缘杂交的理论基础,生物多样性是远缘杂交的物质基础。生物种间的繁殖隔离机制是远缘杂交不亲和性障碍的根源所在,而物种形成方式又为克服远缘杂交的不亲和性提供了理论依据。其中异域性物种形成方式下的生殖隔离具有不彻底性,是克服远缘杂交受精前不亲和性的理论根据;同域性物种形成方式中多倍体化的方式对远缘杂交受精后不亲和性的克服具有较强的指导意义。本文在通过对以上方面的阐述,剖析了远缘杂交的障碍来源、克服途径及实质,为作物远缘杂交育种工作提供参考。     

Comparison of dot blot with in-situ hybridization for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in urethral exudate

Dot blot hybridization and in-situ hybridization with DNA probes prepared from total genomic gonococcal DNA were compared with Gram staining and culturing for the detection of gonococci in urethral exudates. Fifteen of 60 patients were positive by at least one of the four methods. Gram staining and in-situ hybridization scored best with 13 positives but culture and dot blot hybridization yielded only 10 and 9 positives respectively. The failure to detect gonococci in culture can be explained by overgrowth in one case and possibly self medication with ampicillin before culture in another. The in-situ hybridization test is a fast and sensitive hybridization method for the detection of gonococci in urethral exudate from men.     

Comparison of dot blot with in-situ hybridization for the detection of Neisseria gonorrhoeae in urethral exudate

Dot blot hybridization and in-situ hybridization with DNA probes prepared from total genomic gonococcal DNA were compared with Gram staining and culturing for the detection of gonococci in urethral exudates. Fifteen of 60 patients were positive by at least one of the four methods. Gram staining and in-situ hybridization scored best with 13 positives but culture and dot blot hybridization yielded only 10 and 9 positives respectively. The failure to detect gonococci in culture can be explained by overgrowth in one case and possibly self medication with ampicillin before culture in another. The in-situ hybridization test is a fast and sensitive hybridization method for the detection of gonococci in urethral exudate from men.     

Reliable hybridization of oligonucleotides as short as six nucleotides

Although there are many new applications for hybridizing short, synthetic oligonucleotide probes to DNA, such applications have not included determining unknown sequences of DNA. The lack of clear discrimination in hybridization of oligo probes shorter than 11 nucleotides and the lack of a theoretical understanding of factors influencing hybridization of short oligos have hampered the development of their use. We have found conditions for reliable hybridization of oligonucleotides as short as seven nucleotides to cloned DNA or to oligonucleotides attached to filters. Low-temperature hybridization and washing conditions, in contrast to the high stringency conditions currently used in hybridization experiments, have the potential for allowing the simple use of all oligos of six nucleotides or longer in meaningful hybridizations. We also present the hybridization discrimination theory that provides the conceptual framework for understanding these results.     

DNA Sequencing by Hybridization to Oligonucleotide Matrix. Calculation of Continuous Stacking Hybridization Efficiency

Abstract

In this paper we consider the efficiency of additional rounds of “continuous stacking” hybridization in DNA sequence reconstruction by hybridization with oligonucleotide matrix (SHOM). After the initial hybridization of target DNA with the matrix of oligonucleotides of fixed length L some additional hybridizations should be carried out in the presence of fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides of another length l. These additional oligonucleotides can hybridize in tandem with matrix tuples (continuous stacking hybridization) thus forming an extended duplex with the target DNA strand. The additional data obtained allows resolutions of branching points arising in the reconstruction procedure. Multiple rounds of continuous stacking hybridization considerably increase the efficiency of the sequencing method, eventually approaching the power of (L+l)-matrix. We develop here an algorithm that allows us to minimize the number of additional hybridization steps, by assembling sets of l-tuples to be added together in each round of continuous stacking hybridization. For SHOM using a matrix of octanucleotides, continuous stacking hybridization with pen- tanucleotides increases the length of unambiguously sequenced DNA from 200 to several thousands of base pairs.