Specific DNA detection using antibody mediated fluorescence quenching.

First homogenous immunoassay for sequence-specific nucleic acid detection is developed. The assay bases on our finding that a fluorophore inserted into a DNA probe instead of one of the internal nucleotides may get protected from fluorescence quenching caused by an anti-fluorophore antibody, if the probe is hybridized with the target sequence. This ensures a positive signal in the antibody presence. The assay enables quantitative detection and may have potential for development of homogenous high-throughput platforms.