Advancing precision medicine with bioelectroanalytical technologies leveraging unconventional nucleic acid forms

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Genetics
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Non-canonical DNA and RNA structures are crucial in gene regulation and disease.
• Atypical structures like circular RNAs (circRNAs), transfer RNA-derived fragments (tRFs), and G-quadruplexes (G4s) are implicated in disease.
• These structures are emerging as vital biomarkers and therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative and oncological diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of non-canonical nucleic acids.
• To highlight the application of bioelectroanalytical technologies for detecting these molecules.
• To bridge the gap in dedicated reviews on this topic.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent literature on non-canonical nucleic acids.
• Focus on bioelectroanalytical technologies for detection.
• Analysis of applications in precision and personalized medicine.

Main Results:

• Non-canonical nucleic acids exhibit unique structural and expression patterns relevant to diseases.
• Electrochemical biosensing provides sensitive, cost-effective detection suitable for point-of-care applications.
• These molecules hold significant promise for early diagnosis and tailored therapies.

Conclusions:

• Non-canonical nucleic acids are critical for understanding disease mechanisms and developing new treatments.
• Electrochemical biosensing is an underutilized yet powerful tool for harnessing the potential of these nucleic acids.
• Further research integrating bioelectroanalytical methods can unlock advanced diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.