Linking methods, compositions, systems, kits and apparatuses

Abstract

In some embodiments, the disclosure relates generally to methods as well as related compositions, systems, kits and apparatus comprising linking proteins to target compounds and/or to locations of interest using tethers. For example, the tether can be used to link the protein to a target compound, for example, to link an enzyme to a substrate. Similarly, the tether can be used to link the protein at or near a desired location on a surface. In one group of embodiments, the tether includes a polynucleotide and the target compound or location on the surface includes another polynucleotide that is capable of hybridizing to the tether. In such embodiments, the tether can be used to link the protein to the target compound or location using nucleic acid hybridization.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A composition comprising a protein tethered to a substrate. 
     
     
         2 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the tether comprises a first polynucleotide having a first polynucleotide sequence hybridized to a second polynucleotide having a second polynucleotide sequence. 
     
     
         3 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the first polynucleotide is attached to the protein. 
     
     
         4 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the second polynucleotide is attached to the substrate. 
     
     
         5 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the protein comprises an enzyme. 
     
     
         6 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the protein comprises a polymerase enzyme. 
     
     
         7 . The composition of  claim 1 , wherein the protein comprises a DNA polymerase enzyme. 
     
     
         8 . A composition comprising a protein linked to a tether, the tether including a first polynucleotide and the first polynucleotide including a first polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linking further includes contacting the tethered protein with a second polynucleotide, wherein the second polynucleotide is linked to a surface. 
     
     
         9 . A method for conducting a nucleotide incorporation reaction using the composition of  claim 1 . 
     
     
         10 . A method for conducting a nucleotide incorporation reaction using the composition of  claim 8 .