Applications with and Methods for Producing Selected Interstrand Cross-Links in Nucleic Acids

Abstract

The invention provides a method for stably cross-linking a first nucleic acid sequence selected for being stably cross-linked in the presence of a second nucleic acid sequence selected for not being stably cross-linked in a nucleic acid molecule. The method comprises providing a nucleic acid sequence that is complementary to the first nucleic acid sequence; hybridizing the first nucleic acid sequence to its complementary sequence; and stably cross-linking the first nucleic acid sequence to the complementary sequence.

1 - 26 . (canceled) 
     
     
         27 . A method for preventing hybridization of a first chromosomal nucleic acid sequence, while permitting hybridization of a second chromosomal nucleic acid sequence, the method comprising:
 (a) providing a nucleic acid sequence that is complementary to a first chromosomal nucleic acid sequence wherein the complementary sequence or the first chromosomal nucleic acid sequence or both comprise a cross-linking agent, the cross-linking agent being capable of cross-linking the complementary sequence to the first chromosomal nucleic acid sequence; and   (b) hybridizing the first chromosomal nucleic acid sequence to its complementary sequence in the presence of the second chromosomal nucleic acid sequence;   thereby cross-linking the complementary sequence to the first chromosomal nucleic acid sequence;   whereby the cross-linked first chromosomal nucleic acid sequence is prevented from further hybridizing and the second chromosomal nucleic acid sequences is permitted to hybridize.   
     
     
         28 . The method according to  claim 27 , wherein the complementary nucleic acid sequence is DNA, RNA, or PNA. 
     
     
         29 . The method according to  claim 27 , wherein the first chromosomal nucleic acid sequence is DNA. 
     
     
         30 . The method according to  claim 27 , wherein the cross-linking agent comprises a transition metal. 
     
     
         31 . The method according to  claim 30 , wherein the transition metal is platinum. 
     
     
         32 . The method according to  claim 27 , wherein the cross-linking agent is trans-dichlorodiammineplatinum.