In designing a probe, we recommend using sequences 20-25 nucleotides in length. A probe of this length uses the advantages of the LNA™ technology by resulting in high melting temperatures (between 70-85°C), good mismatch discrimination, and high binding specificity, while avoiding unacceptable secondary structure and self-complementarity. However, slightly shorter or longer probes can often be designed within the standard design criteria.
Dr. Mircea Ivan at Indiana University School of Medicine studies the role of microRNAs in hypoxia. Here he describes why his lab chose Exiqon's detection probes.Read full story...