Functionalized tetrahedral DNA frameworks for the capture of circulating tumor cells
Yirong Chen1, Meihua Lin2, Dekai Ye3
1Institute of Molecular Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Nucleic Acid Chemistry and Nanomedicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhangjiang Institute for Advanced Study, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, and National Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
Nature Protocols
|February 5, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed novel DNA nanostructures called n-simplexes to improve the capture of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). These n-simplexes offer precise control over aptamer placement, enhancing the detection of cancer biomarkers in patient blood samples.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are crucial for monitoring cancer progression and treatment efficacy.
- Current methods for CTC capture have limitations in sensitivity and specificity due to uncontrolled ligand positioning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce n-simplexes, DNA-tetrahedral frameworks with user-defined aptamer arrangements, for enhanced CTC capture.
- To demonstrate the targeting of epithelial cell adhesion molecule on CTCs using n-simplexes.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of n-simplexes with spatially controlled aptamers.
- Measurement of binding affinity to membrane receptors based on aptamer arrangement and stoichiometry.
- Protocol for capturing CTCs from patient blood samples.
Main Results:
- N-simplexes allow precise spatial arrangement and stoichiometry of aptamers for targeted cell membrane interactions.
- Demonstrated successful capture of CTCs from clinical samples using the n-simplex protocol.
- Characterization confirmed binding affinity influenced by aptamer configuration.
Conclusions:
- N-simplexes provide a novel, highly controllable platform for CTC detection.
- This method improves upon existing technologies for sensitive and specific capture of circulating tumor cells.
- The protocol is efficient and accessible for researchers with basic molecular biology expertise.
