Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 21, 2026
MicroRNA Detection in Prostate Tumors by Quantitative Real-time PCR qPCR
Published on: May 16, 2012
Metal-organic frameworks-based biosensor for microRNA detection in prostate cancer cell lines
Milad Ahmadi Najafabadi1, Fatemeh Yousefi2, Mohammad J Rasaee1
1Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University Tehran Iran rasaee_m@Modares.ac.ir.
Abstract:
In this research, a novel dye-labeled probe (FAM-Probe) based on a nano metal-organic framework (NMOF) functionalized with folate (NMOF-FA) was prepared and applied as a fluorescent sensing platform for the recognition of intracellular microRNA (miRNA-21) in DU145, PC3, and LNCaP cancer cells. The NMOF-FA can be easily assembled with a dye-labeled miR-21 probe (FAM-Probe21), causing an efficient fluorescence quenching of fluorescence of FAM fluorophore. The probe can be specifically catch up by cancerous cells through targeting their folate receptor by folic acid on the FAM-Probe21-NMOF-FA complex. Upon the interaction of the FAM-Probe21-NMOF-FA with complementary miRNA (miR-21), the fluorescence intensity can be recovered, providing a specific system to detect miRNAs in prostate cancer cells. We used the proposed probe for cell-specific intracellular miRNA-21 sensing, following the alteration expression level of miRNA-21 inside living cells. Thus, the FAM-Probe21-NMOF-FA complex can be used as a new miRNA sensing method in biomedicine studies.
Insights
Researchers developed a novel fluorescent probe using nano metal-organic frameworks (NMOF) and folic acid for detecting microRNA-21 in prostate cancer cells. This method enables specific intracellular sensing and monitoring of miRNA-21 levels in living cells.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in cancer development and progression.
- Accurate detection of specific miRNAs, like miRNA-21, is vital for prostate cancer diagnosis and monitoring.
- Existing miRNA detection methods often lack specificity or require complex sample preparation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel fluorescent sensing platform for intracellular miRNA-21 detection.
- To utilize a folate-functionalized nano metal-organic framework (NMOF-FA) for targeted cancer cell delivery.
- To enable specific and sensitive detection of miRNA-21 in prostate cancer cell lines.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of a dye-labeled probe (FAM-Probe21) integrated with folate-functionalized NMOF (NMOF-FA).
- Utilizing fluorescence quenching and recovery mechanisms for miRNA detection.
- Employing the probe for cell-specific intracellular sensing in DU145, PC3, and LNCaP prostate cancer cells.
Main Results:
- The NMOF-FA/FAM-Probe21 complex demonstrated efficient fluorescence quenching.
- Specific uptake by cancer cells was achieved through folate receptor targeting.
- Fluorescence recovery upon binding with complementary miRNA-21 confirmed specific detection.
- The probe successfully sensed intracellular miRNA-21 levels in living prostate cancer cells.
Conclusions:
- The developed FAM-Probe21-NMOF-FA complex serves as an effective fluorescent sensing platform.
- This novel probe facilitates cell-specific intracellular miRNA-21 detection in prostate cancer.
- The method holds potential for advancing miRNA sensing in biomedical research and diagnostics.
