Double labeling of oligonucleotide probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization (DOPE-FISH) improves signal intensity and increases rRNA accessibility

Appl Environ Microbiol. 2010 Feb;76(3):922-6. doi: 10.1128/AEM.02456-09. Epub 2009 Dec 4.

Abstract

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with singly labeled rRNA-targeted oligonucleotide probes is widely applied for direct identification of microbes in the environment or in clinical specimens. Here we show that a replacement of singly labeled oligonucleotide probes with 5'-, 3'-doubly labeled probes at least doubles FISH signal intensity without causing specificity problems. Furthermore, Cy3-doubly labeled probes strongly increase in situ accessibility of rRNA target sites and thus provide more flexibility for probe design.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Conserved Sequence / genetics
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Evolution, Molecular
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Fluorescence
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence / methods*
  • Nucleic Acid Conformation
  • Oligonucleotide Probes / chemistry*
  • Phylogeny
  • RNA, Bacterial / analysis*
  • RNA, Ribosomal / analysis*
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S / analysis
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S / analysis
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Species Specificity
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Oligonucleotide Probes
  • RNA, Bacterial
  • RNA, Ribosomal
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 16S
  • RNA, Ribosomal, 18S