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Updated: Jul 2, 2026

MicroRNA Amplification and Recognition through Locked-nucleic-acid In situ Hybridization as a Novel Detection and Quantification Method
Published on: October 7, 2025
Label-free detection of microRNA by polymerization and isomerization cyclic amplification coupled with G/Hemin
Xinlan Zhu1,2, Ziyan Zhang1, Ruiyang Ma1
1Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
None:
A label-free detection technique for microRNA (miRNA) was developed based on target replacement cycling, polymerization and isomerization cyclic amplification (PICA), and G/Hemin DNAzyme signal output. The designed hairpin probe undergoes cyclic alternation of polymerization and isomerization catalyzed by Bst DNA polymerase, enabling target replacement cycling and continuous self-extension of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) strands. This process generates abundant G-quadruplex sequences that bind to Hemin, achieving label-free detection of miRNA through catalytic reactions. Its key advantages include a specific primer self-extension mechanism that avoids spurious amplification, one step isothermal design simplifies workflow and enhances system robustness, adapting to diverse detection scenarios, and label-free detection strategy that substantially reduces cost. Therefore, it is poised to become a reliable tool for clinical miRNA analysis, offering potential guidance for the early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of tumor biomarkers.

