Ultra-selective and sensitive DNA detection by a universal apurinic/apyrimidinic probe-based endonuclease IV signal amplification system

A novel signal amplification system that is applicable to any DNA sequence of interest has been developed by using a combination of apurinic/apyrimidinic probe and endonuclease IV. The system allows rapid, highly selective and sensitive detection of target DNA sequences at very low concentrations (10 fmol) or low abundance levels (1%).