DNA PROFILING AND SNP DETECTION UTILIZING MICROARRAYS

摘要

The present invention provides methods for rapidly identifying and distinguishing between different DNA sequences utilizing short tandem repeat (STR) analysis and DNA microarrays. Specifically, these methods facilitate the deduction of a target molecule's identity, length, and number of STRs. In an embodiment, a labeled STR target sequence is hybridized to a DNA microarray carrying complementary probes. These probes vary in length to cover the range of possible STRs. The labeled single-stranded regions of the DNA hybrids are selectively removed from the microarray surface utilizing a post­hybridization enzymatic digestion. The number of repeats in the unknown target is deduced based on the pattern of target DNA that remains hybridized to the microarray. The DNA profiling techniques described herein are useful for performing forensic analysis to uniquely identify individual humans or other species.