Enzyme-Mediated Dissipative Hybridization Chain Reaction (HCR)

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Synthetic Biology

Background:

• Hybridization chain reaction (HCR) is a powerful method for isothermal nucleic acid amplification and assembly.
• Controlling the dynamics and lifetime of HCR processes remains a challenge for advanced applications.
• Enzymatic regulation offers precise and tunable control over biochemical reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel strategy for enzyme-mediated dissipative control over hybridization chain reaction (HCR).
• To enable transient and programmable regulation of DNA polymer assembly and disassembly.
• To demonstrate the utility of this approach in complex molecular systems.

Main Methods:

• Re-engineering a reversible HCR system to incorporate enzymatic fuel consumption.
• Utilizing RNA/DNA fuel strands in conjunction with specific enzymes to regulate polymer dynamics.
• Designing and implementing multi-input dissipative HCR systems and transiently controlled DNA scaffolds.

Main Results:

• Achieved precise, enzyme-mediated control over the lifetime of HCR processes.
• Demonstrated multi-cycle regulation with programmable durations.
• Successfully applied the strategy to a multi-input dissipative HCR system controlled by two enzymes.
• Showcased transient control of a DNA-based polymeric scaffold functionalized with a light-up aptamer.

Conclusions:

• The developed strategy provides a novel method for dissipative control of HCR using enzymes.
• This approach allows for precise temporal programming of DNA assembly and disassembly.
• The demonstrated applications highlight the potential of enzyme-mediated HCR for sophisticated molecular devices and diagnostics.