oxigenin

Oxigenin is a term that may refer to digoxigenin, a steroid hapten widely used in molecular biology for non-radioactive labeling and detection of nucleic acids. Digoxigenin is derived from digitoxigenin, a component of certain cardiac glycosides, and is attached to nucleotides to produce digoxigenin-labeled probes (DIG). These probes can be incorporated into DNA or RNA during synthesis and subsequently detected with anti-digoxigenin antibodies conjugated to enzymes or fluorescent tags.

In practical use, DIG-labeled nucleic acids are detected by immunoassays that employ anti-digoxigenin antibodies, often linked to alkaline phosphatase, horseradish peroxidase, or a fluorophore. Detection methods include colorimetric, chemiluminescent, and fluorescence readouts, making the system suitable for applications such as in situ hybridization, Northern and Southern blotting, and RNA or DNA probe-based techniques in cloning and screening.

Chemically, the digoxigenin moiety is a steroid structure with a digitoxose sugar, linked to nucleotides through a functional tether that allows incorporation during polymerization or post-synthesis labeling. The DIG system is valued for being a non-radioactive alternative to traditional radiolabeling, offering safety and stability along with high sensitivity when used with appropriate antibody conjugates.

Notes: The term "oxigenin" is not standard in common chemical nomenclature; when encountered, it often denotes digoxigenin in informal contexts. For precise communication, use "digoxigenin" and its related DIG labeling terminology.