The present invention relates to methods of imaging template hybridisation for estimating cluster numbers prior to solid phase amplification and sequencing. More particularly, an initial round of imaging is carried out at the single molecule template hybridisation stage which allows a general estimation of cluster numbers prior to clusters being formed. Amplification of the signal allows single molecule imaging to be carried out using standard sequencing imaging apparatus.

The present methods are exemplified by a process in which maternal blood containing fetal DNA is diluted to a nominal value of approximately 0.5 genome equivalent of DNA per reaction sample. Digital PCR is then be used to detect aneuploidy, such as the trisomy that causes Down Syndrome. Since aneuploidies do not present a mutational change in sequence, and are merely a change in the number of chromosomes, it has not been possible to detect them in a fetus without resorting to invasive techniques such as amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling. Digital amplification allows the detection of aneuploidy using massively parallel amplification and detection methods, examining, e.g., 10,000 genome equivalents.

The present methods are exemplified by a process in which maternal blood containing fetal DNA is diluted to a nominal value of approximately 0.5 genome equivalent of DNA per reaction sample. Digital PCR is then be used to detect aneuploidy, such as the trisomy that causes Down Syndrome. Since aneuploidies do not present a mutational change in sequence, and are merely a change in the number of chromosomes, it has not been possible to detect them in a fetus without resorting to invasive techniques such as amniocentesis or chorionic villi sampling. Digital amplification allows the detection of aneuploidy using massively parallel amplification and detection methods, examining, e.g., 10,000 genome equivalents.

A method of amplifying RNA template is provided. The method comprises reverse-transcribing a ribonucleic acid (RNA) template to form a cDNA using a first reaction mixture comprising RNA template, at least one primer capable of hybridizing to the RNA template, a reverse transcriptase and deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs); and amplifying the cDNA to form an amplified product using a second reaction mixture comprising at least one strand displacement DNA polymerase, at least one inosine-containing primer and a nuclease that is capable of nicking DNA 3′ to an inosine residue of the primer. The method is accomplished under an isothermal condition without denaturing the cDNA template. A method of quantifying RNA template in a sample and a method of detecting RNA template in a sample are also provided.

A method of amplifying RNA template is provided. The method comprises reverse-transcribing a ribonucleic acid (RNA) template to form a cDNA using a first reaction mixture comprising RNA template, at least one primer capable of hybridizing to the RNA template, a reverse transcriptase and deoxynucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs); and amplifying the cDNA to form an amplified product using a second reaction mixture comprising at least one strand displacement DNA polymerase, at least one inosine-containing primer and a nuclease that is capable of nicking DNA 3′ to an inosine residue of the primer. The method is accomplished under an isothermal condition without denaturing the cDNA template. A method of quantifying RNA template in a sample and a method of detecting RNA template in a sample are also provided.

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for detecting biological molecules and biomarkers associated with prostate cancer. Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for detecting biological molecules and biomarkers associated with castration-resistant prostate cancer wherein such biological molecules and biomarkers comprise androgen-receptor splice variants that can be used to develop effective therapeutic regimens for prostate cancer patients. Disclosed herein are methods of using biological molecules and biomarkers related to androgen-receptor splice variants for assessing therapeutic resistance to drugs such as enzalutamide and abiraterone.

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for detecting biological molecules and biomarkers associated with prostate cancer. Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for detecting biological molecules and biomarkers associated with castration-resistant prostate cancer wherein such biological molecules and biomarkers comprise androgen-receptor splice variants that can be used to develop effective therapeutic regimens for prostate cancer patients. Disclosed herein are methods of using biological molecules and biomarkers related to androgen-receptor splice variants for assessing therapeutic resistance to drugs such as enzalutamide and abiraterone.

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for the optical detection of a plurality of labeled substrates in an assay. The various aspects of the optical detection systems enable the simultaneous detection of the plurality of labeled substrates. These systems are particularly useful in the detection of nucleic acids during an amplifications reaction.

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for the optical detection of a plurality of labeled substrates in an assay. The various aspects of the optical detection systems enable the simultaneous detection of the plurality of labeled substrates. These systems are particularly useful in the detection of nucleic acids during an amplifications reaction.

Homogenous detection during or following PCR amplification, preferably LATE-PCR, utilizing fluorescent DNA dye and indirectly excitable labeled primers and probes, improves reproducibility and quantification. Low-temperature homogeneous detection during or following non-symmetric PCR amplification, preferably LATE-PCR, utilizing fluorescent DNA dye and indirectly excitable labeled mismatch-tolerant probes permits analysis of complex targets. Sequencing sample preparation methods following LATE-PCR amplifications reduce complexity and permit “single-tube” processing.