US Patent 9556473 Methods for identifying nucleic acid sequences

Embodiments relate to the detection of RNA in a sample of cells. More particularly, methods concern the localized detection of RNA in situ. The method relies on the conversion of RNA to complementary DNA prior to the targeting of the cDNA with a padlock probe(s). The hybridization of the padlock probe(s) relies on the nucleotide sequence of the cDNA which is derived from the corresponding nucleotide sequence of the target RNA. Rolling circle amplification of the subsequently circularized padlock probe produces a rolling circle product which may be detected. Advantageously, this allows the RNA to be detected in situ. In additional methods, rolling circle amplification products are sequenced.