Non-radioactive labeling and detection of nucleic acids. II. Optimization of the digoxigenin system.

The random-primed DNA labeling technique was modified for the incorporation of digoxigenin into DNA as basic component of the digoxigenin-based non-radioactive DNA labeling and detection system. Digoxigenin molecules act as reporter groups for highly sensitive DNA detection by a digoxigenin-specific antibody:alkaline phosphatase-conjugate-catalysed color reaction. The parameters affecting the individual reaction steps of the digoxigenin labeling, hybridization and detection reactions were optimized to maximal sensitivity and specificity.