Combinatorial fluorescence energy transfer tags: new molecular tools for genomics applications

DNA sequencing and analysis reagents developed using the fluorescence energy transfer (ET) principle and synthetic chemistry are markedly superior when compared to single dye-labeled oligonucleotide primers and dideoxynucleotides. These ET reagents played a key role in sequencing the human genome. Combinatorial fluorescence energy transfer (CFET) tags, constructed by exploiting energy transfer and combinatorial synthesis to generate unique fluorescence emission signatures, allow multiplex biological assays to be performed. All of the CFET tags can be excited at a single wavelength and analyzed by a simple optical system. The design, synthesis, spectroscopic properties, and applications of these flourescent molecular tools in genomics are described.