Ultrasensitive protein-DNA binding assays.

Protein-DNA binding assays have been used in a variety of fields from fundamental studies regarding the binding process itself, to serving as probes for the detection, quantification and separation of target analytes. These assays have been used for the study of protein-DNA complex stoichiometry, the detection of DNA damage, and real-time separation of free and bound complexes by electrophoretic mobility. Synthetic DNA oligonucleotides, known as aptamers, have been increasingly used for affinity binding assays to proteins, as well as for separation studies and as biosensors. Recent advances have been made in protein-DNA binding assays using capillary electrophoresis, laser-induced fluorescence, fluorescence polarization, molecular beacons, and affinity chromatography.