Nicking enzyme-based internal labeling of DNA at multiple loci

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Nicholas Luzzietti - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Sabine Knappe - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Isabel Richter - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)
  • Ralf Seidel - , TUD Dresden University of Technology (Author)

Abstract

The labeling of biomolecules has become standard practice in molecular biosciences. Modifications are used for detection, sorting and isolation of small molecules, complexes and entire cells. We have recently reported a method for introducing internal chemical and structural modifications into kbp-sized DNA target substrates that are frequently used in single-molecule experiments. It makes use of nicking enzymes that create single-stranded DNA gaps, which can be subsequently filled with labeled oligonucleotides. Here we provide a detailed protocol and further expand this method. We show that modifications can be introduced at distant loci within one molecule in a simple one-pot reaction. In addition, we achieve labeling on both strands at a specific locus, as demonstrated by Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments. The protocol requires an initial cloning of the target substrate (3-5 d), whereas the labeling itself takes 4-6 h. More elaborate purification and verification of label incorporation requires 2 h for each method.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)643-653
Number of pages11
JournalNature protocols
Volume7
Issue number4
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2012
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 22402634

Keywords