Development of a Modular miRNA-Responsive Biosensor for Organ-Specific Evaluation of Liver Injury

Area of Science:

• Biomolecular Engineering
• Molecular Diagnostics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are crucial biomarkers and therapeutic targets for various diseases.
• Developing sensitive probes for extracellular miRNA detection is vital for diagnostics.
• Existing methods require improvement in specificity and organ-targeting capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel miRNA-responsive biosensor (miR-RBS) for highly sensitive and specific miRNA detection.
• To enable targeted organ-specific visualization of disease-related miRNAs.
• To demonstrate the potential of miR-RBS for early disease diagnosis and monitoring.

Main Methods:

• Design of a Y-structured triple-stranded DNA probe (Y-TSDP) with a fluorescence-quenched state.
• Development of a modular probe design with functional modules for organ-specific binding via aptameric anchors.
• In vivo testing in a drug-induced liver injury model to visualize miR-122 levels.

Main Results:

• The miR-RBS probe demonstrated a fluorescence switch in the presence of target miRNAs, indicating high sensitivity.
• The modular design allowed for specific organ targeting and customized miRNA detection.
• Effective visualization of miR-122 levels in a liver injury model was achieved, confirming organ-specific imaging potential.

Conclusions:

• The developed miR-RBS is a versatile tool for sensitive and specific miRNA detection.
• The biosensor facilitates organ-specific imaging, aiding in disease diagnosis and monitoring.
• This technology holds significant potential for early disease detection and therapeutic strategies targeting miRNAs.