DNA Probes Have Medical and Forensic Applications

Short DNA sequences that contain a fluorescent molecule attached within the heart of the sequence can act as probes to detect sections of DNA sequence with a genetic variation.

The central location of the fluorescent molecule within the probe has considerable advantages over probes that have their signaling chemistry placed at the end of the DNA probe.

These new probes, called HyBeacon, were developed by LGC, a leading UK provider of analytic and diagnostic products and services (South West London, UK).

The probes were developed in response to forensic and medical requirements to identify key genetic differences between individuals, or to distinguish micro-organisms with unique characteristics that make them suitable for very rapid diagnostic and point-of-care applications. To date, HyBeacon assays have been designed for use in medical genetics as well as for use in infectious diagnostic testing. Potential applications include the ability to determine whether an individual will derive therapeutic value from certain prescribed drugs as well as the rapid confirmation of a suspected infection.

Recently, LGC, in association with the Institute of Psychiatry at King's College London, (London, UK) has used its HyBeacons technology to enable the development of a pharmacogenetic screening service that can predict whether a patient with schizophrenia will respond positively to the antipsychotic drug clozapine. The company's first patent application associated with this technology was granted within the European patent territories. LGC's David McDowell and David French, together with Professor Tom Brown of Southampton University (Southampton, UK), are the named inventors of the technology behind the patent entitled "Hybridization beacon and method of rapid sequence detection and discrimination.”

Commenting on the news of the patent, Mr. McDowell, life sciences business development manager at LGC, said: "We are absolutely delighted at the news of the new patent, which is LGC's first EU [European Union] patent granted since privatization. Furthermore, our patent application has now progressed to be granted in both New Zealand and South Africa and is now under assessment by U.S., Canadian, and Australian patent examiners. This is important recognition for HyBeacons and I am pleased to say that a number of in-house service applications and external license deals are now in progress.”



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