Topoisomerase linker-mediated amplification methods

A Vaccinia topoisomerase-adapted linker, which contains an oligonucleotide primer binding site of known sequence, useful for specifically joining the linker to the end of a polynucleotide of unknown sequence and allowing subsequent PCR amplification of the polynucleotide or DNA is provided. Kits containing the invention Vaccinia topoisomerase-adapted linker and one or more linker-specific oligonucleotides for annealing to the linker in PCR are also provided. In addition, the invention provides methods for using the invention linkers in linker-mediated PCR amplification procedures for isolation and optional sequencing of isolated PCR amplification products.