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Published on: October 23, 2011
Reprogrammable multiplexed detection of circulating oncomiRs using hybridization chain reaction
Muhit Rana1, Mustafa Balcioglu, Maya Kovach
1Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, State University of New York, 1400 Washington Avenue, Albany, New York 12222, USA. myigit@albany.edu.
Abstract:
In this study, we have coupled the DNA polymerization capability of hybridization chain reaction (HCR) with the plasmonic properties of gold nanoparticles to develop a reprogrammable and multiplexed detection of three circulating oncomiRs (miR-10b, miR-21 and miR-141) dysregulated in various disease states of breast cancer. We have demonstrated that by simply changing the initiator (label-free short single stranded DNA) content of the HCR, while keeping everything else unchanged, the same nanoparticle assembly can be reprogrammed for the detection of the target oncomiRs individually or simultaneously in all possible combinations. We have shown that as little as 20 femtomoles of each oncomiR can be detected visually without using any analytical instrument. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the target oncomiR can be detected in an RNA pool isolated from a liquid biopsy mimic of breast cancer.
Insights
This study developed a novel method for detecting breast cancer oncomiRs using hybridization chain reaction (HCR) and gold nanoparticles. The system is reprogrammable for multiplexed detection of specific oncomiRs in liquid biopsies.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Diagnostics
Background:
- Circulating microRNAs (oncomiRs) are key biomarkers for breast cancer detection and prognosis.
- Multiplexed detection of multiple oncomiRs is crucial for comprehensive disease state analysis.
- Existing detection methods often require complex instrumentation and lack reprogrammability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a reprogrammable and multiplexed detection platform for circulating oncomiRs.
- To couple hybridization chain reaction (HCR) with gold nanoparticles for enhanced sensitivity.
- To enable visual detection of oncomiRs without analytical instruments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the DNA polymerization of HCR and the plasmonic properties of gold nanoparticles.
- Designed a system where changing the HCR initiator allows reprogramming for different oncomiR targets.
- Demonstrated detection of miR-10b, miR-21, and miR-141 individually and simultaneously.
Main Results:
- Achieved visual detection of as little as 20 femtomoles of each oncomiR.
- Successfully reprogrammed the nanoparticle assembly for various detection combinations by altering HCR initiators.
- Validated detection in an RNA pool from a liquid biopsy mimic of breast cancer.
Conclusions:
- Developed a versatile and sensitive platform for oncomiR detection.
- The reprogrammable nature allows for flexible and simultaneous detection of multiple breast cancer biomarkers.
- This method offers a promising tool for non-invasive breast cancer diagnostics using liquid biopsies.
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