ABSTRACT:
A high-sensitivity means to measure the incorporation of stable isotope labeled substrates into RNA following stable isotope probing experiments (SIP). RNA is hybridized to a set of probes such as phylogenetic microarrays and isotope incorporation is quantified such as by secondary ion mass spectrometer imaging (NanoSIMS).
The technology can track the update of carbon, nitrogen and oxygen in ribonucleic acids and provide insight into how microorganisms metabolize these elements. The methods as described can track the uptake of carbon and nitrogen simultaneously and also be applied to oxygen.
STATUS: Issued US Patent 8906610 available at www.uspto.gov.
REFERENCE NUMBER: IB-2774A