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Updated: Sep 11, 2025
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Genome-Wide Analysis of DNA Methylation in Gastrointestinal Cancer
Published on: September 18, 2020
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Multiple Loci DNA Methylation Profiling for Rapid Colorectal Cancer Diagnosis Based on a Smartphone-Integrated
Shixin Cai1, Ke Shi1, Aohua Ji1
1School of Biotechnology and Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology of Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China.
Analytical Chemistry
|August 15, 2025
Summary
A new smartphone-based biosensor enables simultaneous detection of multiple ctDNA methylation sites for colorectal cancer screening. This portable, low-cost platform offers high accuracy, aiding early cancer diagnosis in underserved regions.
Area of Science:
- Biomolecular Engineering
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Point-of-Care Testing
Background:
- Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) methylation levels are crucial biomarkers in precision oncology.
- Current methylation analysis platforms lack specificity and rely on complex equipment, limiting point-of-care applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a smartphone-integrated biosensing platform for simultaneous, specific methylation analysis of ctDNA.
- To overcome limitations of single-locus detection and complex instrumentation in current diagnostic tools.
Main Methods:
- Engineered a microfluidic chip-based biosensor for simultaneous ctDNA methylation analysis.
- Utilized GlaI methylation-sensitive enzyme digestion and colorimetric reactions on-chip.
- Quantified methylation levels via chamber-specific absorbance measurements using a portable system.
Main Results:
- Achieved simultaneous detection of three Septin 9 gene methylation loci (CpG sites) associated with colorectal cancer.
- Demonstrated low detection limits (0.25–0.525 fM) for individual methylation loci.
- Showcased high accuracy in detecting colorectal cancer patient methylation signatures, correlating with conventional methods.
Conclusions:
- The developed portable biosensing platform offers a cost-effective solution for early cancer screening.
- Its low cost and portability make it suitable for healthcare systems in remote and under-resourced areas.
- This technology advances ctDNA methylation analysis for precision oncology and cancer diagnostics.
