The invention relates to methods and compositions, and systems for determining the identity of nucleic acids in nucleotide sequences, and in particular, sequences that contain consecutive repeats of a particular base. For example, a consecutive repeat of a particular base may be identified by a charged ion detection (e.g., hydrogen ion detection).

A method for detecting an analyte in a sample includes the steps of binding a first catalytic precursor to the analyte at a first epitope and binding a second catalytic precursor to the analyte at a second, different epitope to generate a catalytic complex. The catalytic complex is reacted with a multiplex molecular substrate to generate a first target molecule and an intermediate substrate containing the bound catalytic complex. The intermediate substrate is reacted with a dummy reactant to generate a second target molecule, wherein the reaction further generates a waste molecule containing the dummy reactant and a free catalytic complex. An optical signal that is generated by one or more dye(s) specific to the first target molecule and/or the second target molecule is detected to detect the presence of the analyte in the sample. The overall reaction has substantially net zero enthalpy and a positive entropy change.

A method for detecting an analyte in a sample includes the steps of binding a first catalytic precursor to the analyte at a first epitope and binding a second catalytic precursor to the analyte at a second, different epitope to generate a catalytic complex. The catalytic complex is reacted with a multiplex molecular substrate to generate a first target molecule and an intermediate substrate containing the bound catalytic complex. The intermediate substrate is reacted with a dummy reactant to generate a second target molecule, wherein the reaction further generates a waste molecule containing the dummy reactant and a free catalytic complex. An optical signal that is generated by one or more dye(s) specific to the first target molecule and/or the second target molecule is detected to detect the presence of the analyte in the sample. The overall reaction has substantially net zero enthalpy and a positive entropy change.

Provided herein are compositions and systems for use in polymerase-dependent, nucleotide transient-binding methods. The methods are useful for deducing the sequence of a template nucleic acid molecule and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses. The methods rely on the fact that the polymerase transient-binding time for a complementary nucleotide is longer compared to that of a non-complementary nucleotide. The labeled nucleotides transiently-binds the polymerase in a template-dependent manner, but does not incorporate. The methods are conducted under any reaction condition that permits transient binding of a complementary or non-complementary nucleotide to a polymerase, and inhibits nucleotide incorporation.

Provided herein are compositions and systems for use in polymerase-dependent, nucleotide transient-binding methods. The methods are useful for deducing the sequence of a template nucleic acid molecule and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses. The methods rely on the fact that the polymerase transient-binding time for a complementary nucleotide is longer compared to that of a non-complementary nucleotide. The labeled nucleotides transiently-binds the polymerase in a template-dependent manner, but does not incorporate. The methods are conducted under any reaction condition that permits transient binding of a complementary or non-complementary nucleotide to a polymerase, and inhibits nucleotide incorporation.

The invention provides barcode libraries and methods of making and using them including obtaining a plurality of nucleic acid constructs in which each construct comprises a unique N-mer and a functional N-mer and segregating the constructs into a fluid compartments such that each compartment contains one or more copies of a unique construct. The invention further provides methods for digital PCR and for use of barcode libraries in digital PCR.

The invention provides barcode libraries and methods of making and using them including obtaining a plurality of nucleic acid constructs in which each construct comprises a unique N-mer and a functional N-mer and segregating the constructs into a fluid compartments such that each compartment contains one or more copies of a unique construct. The invention further provides methods for digital PCR and for use of barcode libraries in digital PCR.

Provided herein are methods and materials for detecting and/or treating subject (e.g. a human) having cancer. In some embodiments, methods and materials for identifying a subject as having cancer (e.g., a localized cancer) are provided in which the presence of member(s) of two or more classes of biomarkers are detected. In some embodiments, methods and materials for identifying a subject as having cancer (e.g. a localized cancer) are provided in which the presence of member(s) of at least one class of biomarkers and the presence of aneuploidy are detected. In some embodiments, methods described herein provide increased sensitivity and/or specificity in the detection of cancer in a subject (e.g. a human).

Provided herein are compositions and systems for use in polymerase-dependent, nucleotide transient-binding methods. The methods are useful for deducing the sequence of a template nucleic acid molecule and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses. The methods rely on the fact that the polymerase transient-binding time for a complementary nucleotide is longer compared to that of a non-complementary nucleotide. The labeled nucleotides transiently-binds the polymerase in a template-dependent manner, but does not incorporate. The methods are conducted under any reaction condition that permits transient binding of a complementary or non-complementary nucleotide to a polymerase, and inhibits nucleotide incorporation.

Provided herein are compositions and systems for use in polymerase-dependent, nucleotide transient-binding methods. The methods are useful for deducing the sequence of a template nucleic acid molecule and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) analyses. The methods rely on the fact that the polymerase transient-binding time for a complementary nucleotide is longer compared to that of a non-complementary nucleotide. The labeled nucleotides transiently-binds the polymerase in a template-dependent manner, but does not incorporate. The methods are conducted under any reaction condition that permits transient binding of a complementary or non-complementary nucleotide to a polymerase, and inhibits nucleotide incorporation.