Open circle probes with intramolecular stem structures

Abstract

Disclosed are compositions and methods for reducing or eliminating generation of unwanted, undesirable, or non-specific amplification products in nucleic acid amplification reactions, such as rolling circle amplification. One form of composition is an open circle probe that can form an intramolecular stem structure, such as a hairpin structure, at one or both ends. The stem structure allows the open circle probe to be circularized when hybridized to a legitimate target sequence but results in inactivation of uncircularized open circle probes. This inactivation, which preferably involves stabilization of the stem structure, extension of the end of the open circle probe, or both, reduces or eliminates the ability of the open circle probe to prime nucleic acid synthesis or to serve as a template for rolling circle amplification. The disclosed method is useful for detection, quantitation, and/or location of any desired analyte, such as proteins and peptides.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A method of amplifying nucleic acid sequences, the method comprising 
 a DNA ligation operation and an amplification operation,    wherein the DNA ligation operation comprises circularization of one or more open circle probes,    wherein each open circle probe comprises two ends,    wherein at least one of the ends of at least one of the open circle probes can form an intramolecular stem structure,    wherein circularization of the open circle probes that can form an intramolecular stem structure is dependent on hybridization of the open circle probe to a target sequence,    wherein the amplification operation comprises rolling circle replication of the circularized open circle probes.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1   wherein if one or more of the open circle probes that can form an intramolecular stem structure are not circularized, the end of at least one of the uncircularized open circle probes that forms the intramolecular stem structure is extended during the amplification operation using the open circle probe as a template.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2   wherein extension of the end of the open circle probes prevents the extended open circle probes from serving as a template for rolling circle replication.    
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2   wherein extension of the end of the open circle probes stabilizes the intramolecular stem structure,    wherein the stabilized intramolecular stem structure prevents the extended open circle probes from priming nucleic acid replication.    
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1   wherein the intramolecular stem structure can form under the conditions used for the amplification operation.    
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5   wherein the intramolecular stem structure prevents the open circle probes from priming nucleic acid replication.    
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 5   wherein the intramolecular stem structure prevents the open circle probes from serving as a template for rolling circle replication.    
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1   wherein the intramolecular stem structure prevents the open circle probes from priming nucleic acid replication.    
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1   wherein the intramolecular stem structure prevents the open circle probes from serving as a template for rolling circle replication.    
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1   wherein the intramolecular stem structure forms a hairpin structure.    
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1   wherein the intramolecular stem structure forms a stem and loop structure.    
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11   wherein the two ends of the open circle probe together form the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 1   wherein one of the ends of the open circle probes is a 3′ end,    wherein the 3′ end of at least one of the open circle probes can form an intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13   wherein the other end of the open circle probes is a 5′ end, wherein the 5′ end of at least one of the open circle probes can form an intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 12   wherein one of the ends of the open circle probes is a 5′ end,    wherein the 5′ end of at least one of the open circle probes can form an intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 1   wherein the open circle probes are each specific for a target sequence,    wherein each target sequence comprises a 5′ region and a 3′ region,    wherein each open circle probe comprises a single-stranded, linear DNA molecule,    wherein the single-stranded, linear DNA molecule comprises, from 5′ end to 3′ end, a 5′ phosphate group, a right target probe portion, a spacer portion, a left target probe portion, and a 3′ hydroxyl group,    wherein the left target probe portion is complementary to the 3′ region of the target sequence,    wherein the right target probe portion is complementary to the 5′ region of the target sequence.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16   wherein the intramolecular stem structure of at least one of the open circle probes forms a stem and loop structure.    
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17   wherein a portion of one of the target probe portions of at least one of the open circle probes is in the loop of the stem and loop structure,    wherein the portion of the target probe portion in the loop can hybridize to the target sequence,    wherein hybridization of the target probe portion in the loop to the target sequence disrupts the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 18   wherein disruption of the intramolecular stem structure allows the end of the open circle probes that can form an intramolecular stem structure to hybridize to the target sequence.    
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 19   wherein a hybrid between the target sequence and the target probe portion at the end of the open circle probes that can form an intramolecular stem structure is more stable than the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         21 . The method of  claim 18   wherein hybridization of the loop to a sequence other than the target sequence does not disrupt the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 16   wherein a hybrid between the target sequence and the target probe portion at the end of the open circle probes that can form an intramolecular stem structure is more stable than the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 16   wherein the spacer portion comprises a primer complement portion.    
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 16   wherein at least one of the target sequences further comprises a central region located between the 5′ region and the 3′ region,    wherein neither the left target probe portion of the open circle probe specific for the target sequence nor the right target probe portion of the open circle probe specific for the target sequence is complementary to the central region of the target sequence.    
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 24   wherein the ligation operation comprises mixing the open circle probes and one or more gap oligonucleotides with one or more target samples, and incubating under conditions that promote    hybridization between the open circle probes and the gap oligonucleotides and the target sequences, and    ligation of the open circle probes and gap oligonucleotides to form the circularized open circle probes,    wherein each gap oligonucleotide comprises a single-stranded, linear DNA molecule comprising a 5′ phosphate group and a 3′ hydroxyl group, wherein each gap oligonucleotide is complementary all or a portion of the central region of the target sequence.    
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 24   wherein a complement to the central region of the target sequence is synthesized during the ligation operation.    
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 16   wherein a plurality of the open circle probes are each specific for a different target sequence.    
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27   wherein a plurality of different target sequences are detected.    
     
     
         29 . The method of  claim 27   wherein the amplification operation produces amplified nucleic acid, the method further comprising    detecting the amplified nucleic acid with one or more detection probes.    
     
     
         30 . The method of  claim 29   wherein a portion of each of a plurality of the detection probes has sequence matching or complementary to a portion of a different one of the open circle probes,    wherein a plurality of different amplified nucleic acids are detected using the plurality of detection probes.    
     
     
         31 . The method of  claim 1   wherein at least one of the target sequences is coupled to a specific binding molecule.    
     
     
         32 . The method of  claim 31   wherein the method further comprises bringing into contact the specific binding molecule and a target molecule,    wherein the specific binding molecule binds to the target molecule.    
     
     
         33 . The method of  claim 32   wherein the specific binding molecule and target molecule are brought into contact prior to the ligation operation.    
     
     
         34 . The method of  claim 32   wherein the specific binding molecule and target molecule are brought into contact following the ligation operation.    
     
     
         35 . The method of  claim 32   wherein the specific binding molecule and target molecule are brought into contact following the amplification operation.    
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 32   wherein the target molecule is a peptide, protein, carbohydrate, lipid, nucleic acid, or metabolite.    
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 32   wherein the target molecule is present in, or derived from, tissue, bodily fluid, or cells.    
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 32   wherein the target molecule is present in, or derived from, tissue.    
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 31   wherein the specific binding molecule is an antibody.    
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 31   wherein a plurality of different target sequences are coupled to specific binding molecules.    
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40   wherein at least one of the specific binding molecules is specific for a protein or peptide.    
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 41   wherein a plurality of specific binding molecules are each specific for a different protein or peptide.    
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 40   wherein a plurality of the specific binding molecules are each specific for a different analyte.    
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 40   wherein a plurality of the specific binding molecules are each specific for a different target molecule,    wherein the open circle probes are each specific for a different target sequence.    
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 44  further comprising 
 bringing into contact the specific binding molecules and one or more target molecules,  
 wherein the specific binding molecule binds to the target molecule,  
 wherein a plurality of different target molecules are detected via rolling circle replication of circularized open circle probes specific for the target sequences coupled to the specific binding molecules that are specific for the target molecules.  
 
     
     
         46 . The method of  claim 45   wherein a plurality of different target molecules are detected in the same assay.    
     
     
         47 . The method of  claim 1   wherein rolling circle replication is primed by a rolling circle replication primer,    wherein the rolling circle replication primer is coupled to a specific binding molecule,    wherein the specific binding molecule is bound to a target molecule.    
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the amplification operation produces tandem sequence DNA, wherein the method further comprises detecting the tandem sequence DNA.  
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the amplification operation produces tandem sequence DNA and secondary tandem sequence DNA, wherein the method further comprises detecting the tandem sequence DNA, the secondary tandem sequence DNA, or both.  
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 1   wherein rolling circle replication is primed by one or more rolling circle replication primers,    wherein each rolling circle replication primer comprises two ends,    wherein at least one of the ends of at least one of the rolling circle replication primers can form an intramolecular stem structure,    wherein priming by the rolling circle replication primers that can form an intramolecular stem structure is dependent on hybridization of the rolling circle replication primers to the amplification target circles.    
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 50   wherein both ends of at least one of the rolling circle replication primers can form an intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 51   wherein the two ends of at least one of the rolling circle replication primers are hybridized to each other.    
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 51   wherein the two ends of at least one of the rolling circle replication primers are a 3′ end and a 5′ end, wherein the 3′ end and 5′ end are both involved in the intramolecular stem structure such that the 3′ end has a short unpaired overhang when the intramolecular stem structure is formed.    
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 50   wherein the intramolecular stem structure of at least one of the rolling circle replication primers forms a stem and loop structure.    
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 54   wherein each amplification target circle comprises a primer complement portion,    wherein each rolling circle replication primer has a complement portion,    wherein the complement portion of each rolling circle replication primer is complementary to the primer complement portion of at least one of the amplification target circles,    wherein a portion of the complement portion of at least one of the rolling circle replication primers is in the loop of the stem and loop structure,    wherein the portion of the complement portion in the loop can hybridize to the primer complement portion of at least one of the amplification target circles,    wherein hybridization of the complement portion in the loop to the primer complement portion disrupts the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 55   wherein disruption of the intramolecular stem structure allows the end of the rolling circle replication primers that can form an intramolecular stem structure to hybridize to the primer complement portion of the amplification target circle.    
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 56   wherein a hybrid between the primer complement portion of the amplification target circle and the complement portion of the rolling circle replication primers that can form an intramolecular stem structure is more stable than the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 55   wherein hybridization of the loop to a sequence other than the primer complement portion of the amplification target circle does not disrupt the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 1   wherein the amplification operation produces tandem sequence DNA,    wherein the amplification operation further comprises secondary DNA strand displacement.    
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 59   wherein secondary DNA strand displacement is primed by one or more secondary DNA strand displacement primers,    wherein each secondary DNA strand displacement primer comprises two ends,    wherein at least one of the ends of at least one of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers can form an intramolecular stem structure,    wherein priming by the secondary DNA strand displacement primers that can form an intramolecular stem structure is dependent on hybridization of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers to the tandem sequence DNA.    
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 60   wherein the secondary DNA strand displacement primers prime secondary DNA strand displacement by hybridizing to the tandem sequence DNA,    wherein both ends of at least one of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers can form an intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         62 . The method of  claim 61   wherein the two ends of at least one of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers are hybridized to each other.    
     
     
         63 . The method of  claim 61   wherein the two ends of at least one of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers are a 3′ end and a 5′ end, wherein the 3′ end and 5′ end are both involved in the intramolecular stem structure such that the 3′ end has a short unpaired overhang when the intramolecular stem structure is formed.    
     
     
         64 . The method of  claim 60   wherein the intramolecular stem structure of at least one of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers forms a stem and loop structure.    
     
     
         65 . The method of  claim 64   wherein each secondary DNA strand displacement primer has a matching portion,    wherein the matching portion of each secondary DNA strand displacement primer is complementary to the tandem sequence DNA,    wherein a portion of the matching portion of at least one of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers is in the loop of the stem and loop structure,    wherein the portion of the matching portion in the loop can hybridize to the tandem sequence DNA,    wherein hybridization of the matching portion in the loop to the tandem sequence DNA disrupts the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         66 . The method of  claim 65   wherein disruption of the intramolecular stem structure allows the end of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers that can form an intramolecular stem structure to hybridize to the tandem sequence DNA.    
     
     
         67 . The method of  claim 66   wherein a hybrid between the tandem sequence DNA and the matching portion of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers that can form an intramolecular stem structure is more stable than the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         68 . The method of  claim 65   wherein hybridization of the loop to a sequence other than sequence in the tandem sequence DNA does not disrupt the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         69 . A method of selectively amplifying nucleic acid sequences related to one or more target sequences, the method comprising, 
 (a) mixing one or more different open circle probes with a target sample, to produce an OCP-target sample mixture, and incubating the OCP-target sample mixture under conditions that promote hybridization between the open circle probes and the target sequences in the OCP-target sample mixture,    (b) mixing ligase with the OCP-target sample mixture, to produce a ligation mixture, and incubating the ligation mixture under conditions that promote ligation of the open circle probes to form amplification target circles,    (c) mixing a rolling circle replication primer with the ligation mixture, to produce a primer-ATC mixture, and incubating the primer-ATC mixture under conditions that promote hybridization between the amplification target circles and the rolling circle replication primer in the primer-ATC mixture, and    (d) mixing DNA polymerase with the primer-ATC mixture, to produce a polymerase-ATC mixture, and incubating the polymerase-ATC mixture under conditions that promote replication of the amplification target circles,    wherein replication of the amplification target circles results in the formation of tandem sequence DNA;    wherein at least one of the open circle probes comprises two ends,    wherein at least one of the ends of the open circle probe can form an intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         70 . The method of  claim 69   wherein if the open circle probe that can form an intramolecular stem structure is not ligated to form an amplification target circle the end of the open circle probe is extended during replication of the amplification target circles using the open circle probe as a template.    
     
     
         71 . The method of  claim 70   wherein extension of the end of the open circle probe prevents the extended open circle probes from serving as a template for rolling circle replication.    
     
     
         72 . The method of  claim 70   wherein extension of the end of the open circle probe stabilizes the intramolecular stem structure,    wherein the stabilized intramolecular stem structure prevents the extended open circle probes from priming nucleic acid replication.    
     
     
         73 . The method of  claim 69   wherein the intramolecular stem structure can form under the conditions used for replication of the amplification target circles.    
     
     
         74 . The method of  73   wherein the intramolecular stem structure prevents the open circle probe that can form an intramolecular stem structure from priming nucleic acid replication.    
     
     
         75 . The method of  73   wherein the intramolecular stem structure prevents the open circle probe that can form an intramolecular stem structure from serving as a template for rolling circle replication.    
     
     
         76 . The method of  69   wherein the intramolecular stem structure prevents the open circle probe that can form an intramolecular stem structure from priming nucleic acid replication.    
     
     
         77 . The method of  69   wherein the intramolecular stem structure prevents the open circle probe that can form an intramolecular stem structure from serving as a template for rolling circle replication.    
     
     
         78 . The method of  claim 69   wherein the intramolecular stem structure forms a hairpin structure.    
     
     
         79 . The method of  claim 69   wherein the intramolecular stem structure forms a stem and loop structure.    
     
     
         80 . The method of  claim 79   wherein the two ends of the open circle probe that can form an intramolecular stem structure together form the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         81 . The method of  claim 69   wherein one of the ends of the open circle probe that can form an intramolecular stem structure is a 3′ end,    wherein the 3′ end of the open circle probe can form an intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         82 . The method of  claim 81   wherein the other end of the open circle probe is a 5′ end, wherein the 5′ end of the open circle probe can form an intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         83 . The method of  claim 80   wherein one of the ends of the open circle probe is a 5′ end, wherein the 5′ end of the open circle probe can form an intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         84 . The method of  claim 69   wherein the target sequence to which the open circle probe that can form an intramolecular stem structure can hybridize comprises a 5′ region and a 3′ region,    wherein the open circle probe comprises a single-stranded, linear DNA molecule,    wherein the single-stranded, linear DNA molecule comprises, from 5′ end to 3′ end, a 5′ phosphate group, a right target probe portion, a spacer portion, a left target probe portion, and a 3′ hydroxyl group,    wherein the left target probe portion is complementary to the 3′ region of the target sequence,    wherein the right target probe portion is complementary to the 5′ region of the target sequence.    
     
     
         85 . The method of  claim 84   wherein the intramolecular stem structure forms a stem and loop structure.    
     
     
         86 . The method of  claim 85   wherein a portion of one of the target probe portions is in the loop of the stem and loop structure,    wherein the portion of the target probe portion in the loop can hybridize to the target sequence,    wherein hybridization of the target probe portion in the loop to the target sequence disrupts the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         87 . The method of  claim 86   wherein disruption of the intramolecular stem structure allows the end of the open circle probe that can form an intramolecular stem structure to hybridize to the target sequence.    
     
     
         88 . The method of  claim 87   wherein a hybrid between the target sequence and the target probe portion at the end of the open circle probe that can form an intramolecular stem structure is more stable than the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         89 . The method of  claim 84   wherein a hybrid between the target sequence and the target probe portion at the end of the open circle probe that can form an intramolecular stem structure is more stable than the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         90 . The method of  claim 84   wherein the spacer portion comprises a primer complement portion.    
     
     
         91 . The method of  claim 84   wherein the target sequence further comprises a central region located between the 5′ region and the 3′ region,    wherein neither the left target probe portion of the open circle probe nor the right target probe portion of the open circle probe is complementary to the central region of the target sequence.    
     
     
         92 . The method of  claim 91   wherein step (a) further comprises mixing one or more gap oligonucleotides with the target sample,    wherein each gap oligonucleotide comprises a single-stranded, linear DNA molecule comprising a 5′ phosphate group and a 3′ hydroxyl group, wherein each gap oligonucleotide is complementary all or a portion of the central region of the target sequence.    
     
     
         93 . The method of  claim 91   wherein a complement to the central region of the target sequence is synthesized during step (b).    
     
     
         94 . The method of  claim 69   wherein at least one of the target sequences is coupled to a specific binding molecule.    
     
     
         95 . The method of  claim 94   wherein the method further comprises bringing into contact the specific binding molecule and a target molecule,    wherein the specific binding molecule binds to a target molecule.    
     
     
         96 . The method of  claim 95   wherein the specific binding molecule and target molecule are brought into contact prior to step (a).    
     
     
         97 . The method of  claim 95   wherein the specific binding molecule and target molecule are brought into contact following step(b).    
     
     
         98 . The method of  claim 95   wherein the specific binding molecule and target molecule are brought into contact following step (d).    
     
     
         99 . The method of  claim 95   wherein the target molecule is a peptide, protein, carbohydrate, lipid, nucleic acid, or metabolite.    
     
     
         100 . The method of  claim 95   wherein the target molecule is present in, or derived from, tissue, bodily fluid, or cells.    
     
     
         101 . The method of  claim 95   wherein the target molecule is present in, or derived from, tissue.    
     
     
         102 . The method of  claim 94   wherein the specific binding molecule is an antibody.    
     
     
         103 . The method of  claim 94   wherein the rolling circle replication primer is coupled to a specific binding molecule,    wherein the specific binding molecule is bound to a target molecule.    
     
     
         104 . The method of  claim 69   wherein the method further comprises detecting the tandem sequence DNA.    
     
     
         105 . The method of  claim 69   wherein the tandem sequence DNA is replicated to form secondary tandem sequence DNA,    wherein the method further comprises detecting the tandem sequence DNA, the secondary tandem sequence DNA, or both.    
     
     
         106 . A method of amplifying nucleic acid sequences, the method comprising 
 an amplification operation,    wherein the amplification operation comprises rolling circle replication of one or more amplification target circles,    wherein rolling circle replication is primed by one or more rolling circle replication primers,    wherein each rolling circle replication primer comprises two ends,    wherein at least one of the ends of at least one of the rolling circle replication primers can form an intramolecular stem structure,    wherein priming by the rolling circle replication primers that can form an intramolecular stem structure is dependent on hybridization of the rolling circle replication primers to the amplification target circles.    
     
     
         107 . The method of  claim 106   wherein both ends of at least one of the rolling circle replication primers can form an intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         108 . The method of  claim 107   wherein the two ends of at least one of the rolling circle replication primers are hybridized to each other.    
     
     
         109 . The method of  claim 107   wherein the two ends of at least one of the rolling circle replication primers are a 3′ end and a 5′ end, wherein the 3′ end and 5′ end are both involved in the intramolecular stem structure such that the 3′ end has a short unpaired overhang when the intramolecular stem structure is formed.    
     
     
         110 . The method of  claim 106   wherein the intramolecular stem structure of at least one of the rolling circle replication primers forms a stem and loop structure.    
     
     
         111 . The method of  claim 110   wherein each amplification target circle comprises a primer complement portion,    wherein each rolling circle replication primer has a complement portion,    wherein the complement portion of each rolling circle replication primer is complementary to the primer complement portion of at least one of the amplification target circles,    wherein a portion of the complement portion of at least one of the rolling circle replication primers is in the loop of the stem and loop structure,    wherein the portion of the complement portion in the loop can hybridize to the primer complement portion of at least one of the amplification target circles,    wherein hybridization of the complement portion in the loop to the primer complement portion disrupts the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         112 . The method of  claim 111   wherein disruption of the intramolecular stem structure allows the end of the rolling circle replication primers that can form an intramolecular stem structure to hybridize to the primer complement portion of the amplification target circle.    
     
     
         113 . The method of  claim 112   wherein a hybrid between the primer complement portion of the amplification target circle and the complement portion of the rolling circle replication primers that can form an intramolecular stem structure is more stable than the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         114 . The method of  claim 111   wherein hybridization of the loop to a sequence other than the primer complement portion of the amplification target circle does not disrupt the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         115 . A method of amplifying nucleic acid sequences, the method comprising 
 an amplification operation,    wherein the amplification operation comprises rolling circle replication of one or more amplification target circles,    wherein the amplification operation produces tandem sequence DNA,    wherein the amplification operation further comprises secondary DNA strand displacement.    
     
     
         116 . The method of  claim 115   wherein secondary DNA strand displacement is primed by one or more secondary DNA strand displacement primers,    wherein each secondary DNA strand displacement primer comprises two ends,    wherein at least one of the ends of at least one of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers can form an intramolecular stem structure,    wherein priming by the secondary DNA strand displacement primers that can form an intramolecular stem structure is dependent on hybridization of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers to the tandem sequence DNA.    
     
     
         117 . The method of  claim 116   wherein the secondary DNA strand displacement primers prime secondary DNA strand displacement by hybridizing to the tandem sequence DNA,    wherein both ends of at least one of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers can form an intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         118 . The method of  claim 117   wherein the two ends of at least one of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers are hybridized to each other.    
     
     
         119 . The method of  claim 117   wherein the two ends of at least one of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers are a 3′ end and a 5′ end, wherein the 3′ end and 5′ end are both involved in the intramolecular stem structure such that the 3′ end has a short unpaired overhang when the intramolecular stem structure is formed.    
     
     
         120 . The method of  claim 116   wherein the intramolecular stem structure of at least one of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers forms a stem and loop structure.    
     
     
         121 . The method of  claim 120   wherein each secondary DNA strand displacement primer has a matching portion,    wherein the matching portion of each secondary DNA strand displacement primer is complementary to the tandem sequence DNA,    wherein a portion of the matching portion of at least one of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers is in the loop of the stem and loop structure,    wherein the portion of the matching portion in the loop can hybridize to the tandem sequence DNA,    wherein hybridization of the matching portion in the loop to the tandem sequence DNA disrupts the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         122 . The method of  claim 121   wherein disruption of the intramolecular stem structure allows the end of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers that can form an intramolecular stem structure to hybridize to the tandem sequence DNA.    
     
     
         123 . The method of  claim 122   wherein a hybrid between the tandem sequence DNA and the matching portion of the secondary DNA strand displacement primers that can form an intramolecular stem structure is more stable than the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         124 . The method of  claim 121   wherein hybridization of the loop to a sequence other than sequence in the tandem sequence DNA does not disrupt the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         125 . An open circle probe 
 wherein the open circle probe comprises two ends,    wherein at least one of the ends of the open circle probe can form an intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         126 . The open circle probe of  claim 125   wherein the intramolecular stem structure forms a hairpin structure.    
     
     
         127 . The open circle probe of  claim 125   wherein the intramolecular stem structure forms a stem and loop structure.    
     
     
         128 . The open circle probe of  claim 127   wherein the two ends of the open circle probe together form the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         129 . The open circle probe of  claim 125   wherein one of the ends of the open circle probe is a 3′ end,    wherein the 3′ end of the open circle probe can form an intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         130 . The open circle probe of  claim 129   wherein the other end of the open circle probe is a 5′ end,    wherein the 5′ end of the open circle probe can form an intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         131 . The open circle probe of  claim 125   wherein one of the ends of the open circle probe is a 5′ end,    wherein the 5′ end of the open circle probe can form an intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         132 . The open circle probe of  claim 125   wherein the intramolecular stem structure can form under conditions suitable for nucleic acid replication.    
     
     
         133 . The open circle probe of  132   wherein the intramolecular stem structure prevents the open circle probe from priming nucleic acid replication.    
     
     
         134 . The open circle probe of  132   wherein the intramolecular stem structure prevents the open circle probe from serving as a template for rolling circle replication.    
     
     
         135 . The open circle probe of  125   wherein the intramolecular stem structure prevents the open circle probe from priming nucleic acid replication.    
     
     
         136 . The open circle probe of  125   wherein the intramolecular stem structure prevents the open circle probe from serving as a template for rolling circle replication.    
     
     
         137 . The open circle probe of  claim 125   wherein the open circle probe is specific for a target sequence,    wherein the target sequence comprises a 5′ region and a 3′ region,    wherein the open circle probe comprises a single-stranded, linear DNA molecule,    wherein the single-stranded, linear DNA molecule comprises, from 5′ end to 3′ end, a 5′ phosphate group, a right target probe portion, a spacer portion, a left target probe portion, and a 3′ hydroxyl group,    wherein the left target probe portion is complementary to the 3′ region of the target sequence,    wherein the right target probe portion is complementary to the 5′ region of the target sequence.    
     
     
         138 . The open circle probe of  claim 137   wherein the intramolecular stem structure forms a stem and loop structure.    
     
     
         139 . The open circle probe of  claim 138   wherein a portion of one of the target probe portions is in the loop of the stem and loop structure,    wherein the portion of the target probe portion in the loop can hybridize to the target sequence,    wherein hybridization of the target probe portion in the loop to the target sequence disrupts the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         140 . The open circle probe of  claim 139   wherein disruption of the intramolecular stem structure allows the end of the open circle probe that can form an intramolecular stem structure to hybridize to the target sequence.    
     
     
         141 . The open circle probe of  claim 140   wherein a hybrid between the target sequence and the target probe portion at the end of the open circle probe that can form an intramolecular stem structure is more stable than the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         142 . The open circle probe of  claim 137   wherein a hybrid between the target sequence and the target probe portion at the end of the open circle probe that can form an intramolecular stem structure is more stable than the intramolecular stem structure.    
     
     
         143 . The open circle probe of  claim 137   wherein the spacer portion comprises a primer complement portion.    
     
     
         144 . The open circle probe of  claim 137   wherein the target sequence further comprises a central region located between the 5′ region and the 3′ region,    wherein neither the left target probe portion of the open circle probe nor the right target probe portion of the open circle probe is complementary to the central region of the target sequence.    
     
     
         145 . A kit for selectively detecting one or more target sequences or selectively amplifying nucleic acid sequences related to one or more target sequences, the kit comprising, 
 one or more open circle probes each comprising two ends,    wherein at least one of the ends of one of the open circle probe can form an intramolecular stem structure,    wherein portions of each open circle probe are complementary to the one or more target sequences, and    one or more rolling circle replication primers,    wherein all or a portion of each rolling circle replication primer is complementary to a portion of one or more of the open circle probes.    
     
     
         146 . The kit of  claim 145   wherein the end of the open circle probe that can form an intramolecular stem structure is a 3′ end.    
     
     
         147 . The kit of  claim 145   wherein each target sequence comprises a 5′ region and a 3′ region,    wherein the open circle probes each comprise a single-stranded, linear DNA molecule comprising, from 5′ end to 3′ end, a 5′ phosphate group, a right target probe portion, a spacer portion, a left target probe portion, and a 3′ hydroxyl group,    wherein the spacer portion comprises a primer complement portion,    wherein the left target probe portion is complementary to the 3′ region of at least one of the target sequences and the right target probe portion is complementary to the 5′ region of the same target sequence,    wherein the rolling circle replication primer comprises a single-stranded, linear nucleic acid molecule comprising a complementary portion that is complementary to the primer complement portion of one or more of the open circle probes.    
     
     
         148 . The kit of  claim 47  further comprising 
 a secondary DNA strand displacement primer comprising a single-stranded, linear nucleic acid molecule comprising a matching portion that matches a portion of one or more of the open circle probes.  
 
     
     
         149 . The kit of  claim 147   wherein at least one target sequence further comprises a central region located between the 5′ region and the 3′ region,    wherein neither the left target probe portion nor the right target probe portion of the open circle probe complementary to the target sequence is complementary to the central region of the target sequence.    
     
     
         150 . The kit of  claim 149  further comprising 
 one or more gap oligonucleotides, wherein the gap oligonucleotides are complementary to all or a portion of the central region of the target sequence.  
 
     
     
         151 . The kit of  claim 147   the target probe portions of the open circle probes are complementary to a different target sequence for each of a plurality of the open circle probes.    
     
     
         152 . The kit of  claim 151  further comprising 
 one or more detection probes.  
 
     
     
         153 . The kit of  claim 152   wherein a portion of each of a plurality of the detection probes has sequence matching or complementary to a portion of a different one of the open circle probes.    
     
     
         154 . The kit of  claim 145  further comprising 
 one or more reporter binding agents each comprising a specific binding molecule and an oligonucleotide portion, wherein the oligonucleotide portion comprises one of the target sequences.  
 
     
     
         155 . The kit of  claim 154   wherein the specific binding molecule of at least one of the reporter binding agents is specific for a protein or peptide.    
     
     
         156 . The kit of  claim 155   wherein the specific binding molecules of a plurality of the reporter binding agents are each specific for a different protein or peptide.    
     
     
         157 . The kit of  claim 154   wherein the specific binding molecule of at least one of the reporter binding agents is specific for an analyte.    
     
     
         158 . The kit of  claim 157   wherein the specific binding molecules of a plurality of the reporter binding agents are each specific for a different analyte.    
     
     
         159 . The kit of  claim 145   wherein the portions of the open circle probes that are complementary to the target sequence are complementary to a different target sequence for each of a plurality of the open circle probes.    
     
     
         160 . The kit of  claim 147   wherein a plurality of the open circle probes are specific for different target sequences.    
     
     
         161 . A kit for selectively detecting one or more target sequences or selectively amplifying nucleic acid sequences related to one or more target sequences, the kit comprising, 
 a plurality of open circle probes each comprising two ends,    wherein at least one of the ends of one of the open circle probe can form an intramolecular stem structure,    wherein portions of each open circle probe are complementary to the one or more target sequences,    wherein the portions of the open circle probes that are complementary to the target sequence are complementary to a different target sequence for each of a plurality of the open circle probes,    one or more rolling circle replication primers,    wherein all or a portion of each rolling circle replication primer is complementary to a portion of one or more of the open circle probes, and a plurality of detection probes,    wherein a portion of each of a plurality of the detection probes has sequence matching or complementary to a portion of a different one of the open circle probes.    
     
     
         162 . A kit for selectively detecting one or more target sequences or selectively amplifying nucleic acid sequences related to one or more target sequences, the kit comprising, 
 a plurality of open circle probes each comprising two ends,    wherein at least one of the ends of one of the open circle probe can form an intramolecular stem structure,    wherein portions of each open circle probe are complementary to the one or more target sequences,    wherein the portions of the open circle probes that are complementary to the target sequences are complementary to a different target sequence for each of a plurality of the open circle probes,    one or more rolling circle replication primers,    wherein all or a portion of each rolling circle replication primer is complementary to a portion of one or more of the open circle probes, and a plurality of reporter binding agents each comprising a specific binding molecule and an oligonucleotide portion,    wherein the oligonucleotide portion comprises one of the target sequences.    
     
     
         163 . The kit of  claim 162  further comprising 
 a plurality of detection probes,  
 wherein a portion of each of a plurality of the detection probes has sequence matching or complementary to a portion of a different one of the open circle probes.