Modified nucleotides and methods useful for nucleic acid sequencing

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for sequencing nucleic acids. In particular, such method includes incorporating certain modified nucleotides referred to as Simtides into nucleic acid strands. These Simtides are complexes comprising a nucleotide base (or analog thereof), a linker, and a label capable of generating a detectable signal for sequencing. A Simtide may be incorporated into a sequencing fragment as a primer component, as a chain elongator, or as a chain terminator.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A method for determining the nucleotide sequence of a target nucleic acid, the method comprising: 
 a) generating labeled nucleic acid fragments which are complementary to a selected target nucleic acid molecule;    b) incorporating into the nucleic acid fragments by a nucleic acid polymerase, a complex comprising a detectable label molecule, a reversible linker, and a nucleotide base or analog thereof;    c) separating the labeled fragments by size separation; and    d) detecting the labeled molecule, wherein the reversible linker is phenylboronic acid or a derivative thereof.