Vaccinia topoisomerases I-based assays for detection of specific DNA breaks

摘要

Several types of DNA cuts are used as markers of apoptosis for detection of apoptotic cells in situ. The present invention includes a method to detect DNase II type DNA damage, bearing 5′OH using vaccinia topoisomerase I. The present invention also includes a method combining a ligase-based method to detect DNase I type DNA damage and the topoisomerase based method, resulting in simultaneous detection of two specific types of DNA damage in situ.