DNA analysis by dynamic chemistry

Base-Filling in Double-Helical Nucleic Acids

Base-filling, i. e., post-synthetic furnishing of an oligonucleotide scaffold with base moieties or their analogues, is an interesting alternative to the conventional approach of sequential coupling of building blocks (modified or otherwise). Reversible attachment of the base moieties is particularly attractive as it allows the use of dynamic combinatorial chemistry and usually leads to higher fidelity. This concept article summarizes the various backbones and coupling reactions used for base-filling over the past fifteen years, discusses the impact of base stacking and pairing on efficiency and fidelity and highlights potential and realized applications.

A comprehensive review of Dynamic Chemical Labelling on Luminex xMAP technology: a journey towards Drug-Induced Liver Injury testing

Drug-Induced Liver Injury (DILI) is a grave global adverse event that can result in fatal consequences, causing drug failures, market withdrawals, and regulatory warnings, leading to substantial financial losses. The early detection of DILI remains a significant challenge in global healthcare. Although circulating microRNAs (miRs) show promise as clinical biomarkers for DILI, the current analytical methods for their measurement are insufficient. There is a pressing need for rapid and reliable miR detection methods that eliminate the need for nucleic acid extraction and PCR-based amplification. This review highlights recent advancements achieved by integrating Dynamic Chemical Labelling (DCL) with Luminex xMAP technology. This powerful combination has resulted in groundbreaking bead-based assays that allow (1) the direct, multiplex detection of miRs, and (2) the simultaneous testing of miR and protein biomarkers. This triple capability enables a comprehensive assessment that significantly enhances the detection and analysis of crucial biomarkers, thus improving the understanding and diagnosis of DILI. In conclusion, this review offers valuable insights into the capabilities and potential applications of these groundbreaking assays in DILI research, as well as their potential use in other diagnostic and research domains that require direct or multiplex analysis of miRs or analysis of miRs in combination with proteins.

MAGPIX and FLEXMAP 3D Luminex platforms for direct detection of miR-122-5p through dynamic chemical labelling

MicroRNAs (miRs) have emerged as promising biomarkers for diagnosing and predicting the prognosis of liver injury. This study aimed to compare the performance of two Luminex platforms, MAGPIX and FLEXMAP 3D, utilizing the innovative Dynamic Chemical Labelling (DCL) technology for direct detection and analysis of miR-122-5p in serum samples from patients with liver injury. Serum samples were collected from four patients with liver injury and four healthy controls. The levels of miR-122-5p were measured using the DCL method on both MAGPIX and FLEXMAP 3D platforms. The performance evaluation included the limit of detection (LOD), intra-assay and inter-assay precision, as well as accuracy. The results demonstrated that both platforms exhibited high sensitivity and specificity in detecting miR-122-5p in serum samples from patients with liver injury. However, FLEXMAP 3D indicated a lower LOD compared to MAGPIX. The precision of miR-122-5p detection was similar between the two platforms. In conclusion, both MAGPIX and FLEXMAP 3D Luminex platforms, in conjunction with DCL reagents, proved to be reliable and sensitive tools for detecting miR-122-5p in serum samples from patients with liver injury. Although both platforms were effective, FLEXMAP 3D exhibited slightly better performance, suggesting its preference for miR detection in clinical settings. These findings offer valuable insights for selecting the appropriate Luminex platform for miR detection in patients with liver injury and beyond.

Amplification-free electrochemical biosensor detection of circulating microRNA to identify drug-induced liver injury

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major challenge in clinical medicine and drug development. There is a need for rapid diagnostic tests, ideally at point-of-care. MicroRNA 122 (miR-122) is an early biomarker for DILI which is reported to increase in the blood before standard-of-care markers such as alanine aminotransferase activity. We developed an electrochemical biosensor for diagnosis of DILI by detecting miR-122 from clinical samples. We used electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) for direct, amplification free detection of miR-122 with screen-printed electrodes functionalised with sequence specific peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes. We studied the probe functionalisation using atomic force microscopy and performed elemental and electrochemical characterisations. To enhance the assay performance and minimise sample volume requirements, we designed and characterised a closed-loop microfluidic system. We presented the EIS assay's specificity for wild-type miR-122 over non-complementary and single nucleotide mismatch targets. We successfully demonstrated a detection limit of 50 pM for miR-122. Assay performance could be extended to real samples; it displayed high selectivity for liver (miR-122 high) comparing to kidney (miR-122 low) derived samples extracted from murine tissue. Finally, we successfully performed an evaluation with 26 clinical samples. Using EIS, DILI patients were distinguished from healthy controls with a ROC-AUC of 0.77, a comparable performance to qPCR detection of miR-122 (ROC-AUC: 0.83). In conclusion, direct, amplification free detection of miR-122 using EIS was achievable at clinically relevant concentrations and in clinical samples. Future work will focus on realising a full sample-to-answer system which can be deployed for point-of-care testing.

SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA detection using the novel CoVradar device associated with the CoVreader smartphone app

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for innovative approaches to its diagnosis. Here we present CoVradar, a novel and simple colorimetric method that combines nucleic acid analysis with dynamic chemical labeling (DCL) technology and the Spin-Tube device to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in saliva samples. The assay includes a fragmentation step to increase the number of RNA templates for analysis, using abasic peptide nucleic acid probes (DGL probes) immobilized to nylon membranes in a specific dot pattern to capture RNA fragments. Duplexes are formed by labeling complementary RNA fragments with biotinylated SMART bases, which act as templates for DCL. Signals are generated by recognizing biotin with streptavidin alkaline phosphatase and incubating with a chromogenic substrate to produce a blue precipitate. CoVradar results are analysed by CoVreader, a smartphone-based image processing system that can display and interpret the blotch pattern. CoVradar and CoVreader provide a unique molecular assay capable of detecting SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA without the need for extraction, preamplification, or prelabeling steps, offering advantages in terms of time (∼3 h/test), cost (∼€1/test manufacturing cost) and simplicity (does not require large equipment). This solution is also promising for the development of assays for other infectious diseases.

Direct detection of alpha satellite DNA with single-base resolution by using abasic Peptide Nucleic Acids and Fluorescent in situ Hybridization

The detection of repetitive sequences with single-base resolution is becoming increasingly important aiming to understand the biological implications of genomic variation in these sequences. However, there is a lack of techniques to experimentally validate sequencing data from repetitive sequences obtained by Next-Generation Sequencing methods, especially in the case of Single-Nucleotide Variations (SNVs). That is one of the reasons why repetitive sequences have been poorly studied and excluded from most genomic studies. Therefore, in addition to sequencing data, there is an urgent need for efficient validation methods of genomic variation in these sequences. Herein we report the development of chemFISH, an alternative method for the detection of SNVs in repetitive sequences. ChemFISH is an innovative method based on dynamic chemistry labelling and abasic Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) probes to detect in situ the α-satellite DNA, organized in tandem repeats, with single-base resolution in a direct and rapid reaction. With this approach, we detected by microscopy the α-satellite DNA in a variety of human cell lines, we quantified the detection showing a low coefficient of variation among samples (13.16%-25.33%) and we detected single-base specificity with high sensitivity (82.41%-88.82%). These results indicate that chemFISH can serve as a rapid method to validate previously detected SNVs in sequencing data, as well as to find novel SNVs in repetitive sequences. Furthermore, the versatile chemistry behind chemFISH can lead to develop novel molecular assays for the in situ detection of nucleic acids.

Simultaneous Detection of Drug-Induced Liver Injury Protein and microRNA Biomarkers Using Dynamic Chemical Labelling on a Luminex MAGPIX System

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a potentially fatal adverse event and a leading cause for pre- and post-marketing drug withdrawal. Several multinational DILI initiatives have now recommended a panel of protein and microRNA (miRNA) biomarkers that can detect early liver injury and inform about mechanistic basis. This manuscript describes the development of seqCOMBO, a unique combo-multiplexed assay which combines the dynamic chemical labelling approach and an antibody-dependant method on the Luminex MAGPIX system. SeqCOMBO enables a versatile multiplexing platform to perform qualitative and quantitative analysis of proteins and miRNAs in patient serum samples simultaneously. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first method to profile protein and miRNA biomarkers to diagnose DILI in a single-step assay.

Development of a nanotechnology-based approach for capturing and detecting nucleic acids by using flow cytometry

Nucleic acid-based molecular diagnosis has gained special importance for the detection and early diagnosis of genetic diseases as well as for the control of infectious disease outbreaks. The development of systems that allow for the detection and analysis of nucleic acids in a low-cost and easy-to-use way is of great importance. In this context, we present a combination of a nanotechnology-based approach with the already validated dynamic chemical labeling (DCL) technology, capable of reading nucleic acids with single-base resolution. This system allows for the detection of biotinylated molecular products followed by simple detection using a standard flow cytometer, a widely used platform in clinical and molecular laboratories, and therefore, is easy to implement. This proof-of-concept assay has been developed to detect mutations in KRAS codon 12, as these mutations are highly important in cancer development and cancer treatments.

Measurements Methods for the Development of MicroRNA-Based Tests for Cancer Diagnosis

Studies investigating microRNAs as potential biomarkers for cancer, immune-related diseases, or cardiac pathogenic diseases, among others, have exponentially increased in the last years. In particular, altered expression of specific miRNAs correlates with the occurrence of several diseases, making these molecules potential molecular tools for non-invasive diagnosis, prognosis, and response to therapy. Nonetheless, microRNAs are not in clinical use yet, due to inconsistencies in the literature regarding the specific miRNAs identified as biomarkers for a specific disease, which in turn can be attributed to several reasons, including lack of assay standardization and reproducibility. Technological limitations in circulating microRNAs measurement have been, to date, the biggest challenge for using these molecules in clinical settings. In this review we will discuss pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical challenges to address the potential technical biases and patient-related parameters that can have an influence and should be improved to translate miRNA biomarkers to the clinical stage. Moreover, we will describe the currently available methods for circulating miRNA expression profiling and measurement, underlining their advantages and potential pitfalls.

Amplification-free profiling of microRNA-122 biomarker in DILI patient serums, using the luminex MAGPIX system

Dynamic chemical labelling is a single-base specific method to enable detection and quantification of micro-Ribonucleic Acids in biological fluids without extraction and pre-amplification. In this study, dynamic chemical labelling was combined with the Luminex MAGPIX system to profile levels of microRNA-122 biomarker in serum from patients with Drug-Induced Liver Injury.

miR-122 direct detection in human serum by time-gated fluorescence imaging

A simple method for direct detection of microRNAs (miRs) in human serum without the use of polymerase amplification is presented, achieving low miR-122 concentrations and importantly, discerning effectively single-base sequence mutations. The method is based on the capture of target miRs with synthetic peptide nucleic acid oligomers, dynamic chemical labelling, separation with quaternary amine microplatforms and detection using time-gated fluorescence imaging.

New Platform for the Direct Profiling of microRNAs in Biofluids

Circulating microRNAs have been identified as potential biomarkers for early detection, prognosis, and prediction of several diseases. Their use in clinical diagnostics has been limited by the lack of suitable detection techniques. Most of the current technologies suffer from requiring complex protocols, not yet able to deliver robust and cost-effective assays in the field of clinical diagnostics. In this work, we report the development of a breakthrough platform for profiling circulating microRNAs. The platform comprises a novel silicon photomultiplier-based reader in conjunction with a chemical-based method for nucleic acid detection. Accurate microRNAs profiling without extraction, pre-amplification, or pre-labeling of the target is now achievable. We designed and synthesized a set of reagents that combined the chemical-based method with a chemiluminescent reaction. The signals generated were read out using a novel, compact silicon photomultiplier-based reader. The platform sensitivity was determined by measuring known concentrations of hsa-miR-21-5p spike-ins. The limit of detection was calculated as 4.7 pmol/L. The platform was also successfully used to directly detect hsa-miR-21-5p in eight non-small cell lung cancer plasma samples. Levels of plasma hsa-miR-21-5p expression were also measured via TaqMan RT-qPCR. The successful integration of the unique chemical-based method for nucleic acid detection with the novel silicon photomultiplier-based reader created an innovative product (ODG platform) with diagnostic utility, for the direct qualitative and quantitative analysis of microRNA biomarkers in biological fluids.

PCR-free and chemistry-based technology for miR-21 rapid detection directly from tumour cells

miRNAs are well known for being implicated in a myriad of biological situations, including those related to serious diseases. Amongst miRNAs, miRNA-21 has the spotlight as it is reported to be up-regulated in multiple severe pathological conditions, being its quantification a key point in medicine. To date, most of the techniques for miRNA quantification have shown to be less effective than expected; thus, we herein present a novel, rapid, cost-effective, robust and PCR-free approach, based on dynamic chemistry, for the identification and quantification of miRNA directly from tumour cells using both FACS and a fluorescent microplate. This dynamic chemistry novel application involves bead based reagents and allows quantifying the number of miR-21 molecules presented in MDA-MB-468 and H1975 tumour cells.

A colorimetric strategy based on dynamic chemistry for direct detection of Trypanosomatid species

Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease are endemic in many countries, and re-emerging in the developed countries. A rapid and accurate diagnosis is important for early treatment for reducing the duration of infection as well as for preventing further potential health complications. In this work, we have developed a novel colorimetric molecular assay that integrates nucleic acid analysis by dynamic chemistry (ChemNAT) with reverse dot-blot hybridization in an array format for a rapid and easy discrimination of Leishmania major and Trypanosoma cruzi. The assay consists of a singleplex PCR step that amplifies a highly homologous DNA sequence which encodes for the RNA component of the large ribosome subunit. The amplicons of the two different parasites differ between them by single nucleotide variations, known as “Single Nucleotide Fingerprint” (SNF) markers. The SNF markers can be easily identified by naked eye using a novel micro Spin-Tube device "Spin-Tube", as each of them creates a specific spot pattern. Moreover, the direct use of ribosomal RNA without requiring the PCR pre-amplification step is also feasible, further increasing the simplicity of the assay. The molecular assay delivers sensitivity capable of identifying up to 8.7 copies per µL with single mismatch specificity. The Spin-Tube thus represents an innovative solution providing benefits in terms of time, cost, and simplicity, all of which are crucial for the diagnosis of infectious disease in developing countries.

A PCR-free technology to detect and quantify microRNAs directly from human plasma

A novel sensitive, specific and rapid method for the detection and quantification of microRNAs without requiring extraction from their biological sources is now available using a novel chemical based, PCR-free technology for nucleic acid testing. In this study, we both demonstrate how this method can be used to profile miR-451a, an important miRNA in erythropoiesis, and compare with the gold standard RT-qPCR.

Self-assembled orthoester cryptands: orthoester scope, post-functionalization, kinetic locking and tunable degradation kinetics

Dynamic adaptability and biodegradability are key features of functional, 21st century host-guest systems. We have recently discovered a class of tripodal supramolecular hosts, in which two orthoesters act as constitutionally dynamic bridgeheads. Having previously demonstrated the adaptive nature of these hosts, we now report the synthesis and characterization - including eight solid state structures - of a diverse set of orthoester cages, which provides evidence for the broad scope of this new host class. With the same set of compounds, we demonstrated that the rates of orthoester exchange and hydrolysis can be tuned over a remarkably wide range, from rapid hydrolysis at pH 8 to nearly inert at pH 1, and that the Taft parameter of the orthoester substituent allows an adequate prediction of the reaction kinetics. Moreover, the synthesis of an alkyne-capped cryptand enabled the post-functionalization of orthoester cryptands by Sonogashira and CuAAC "click" reactions. The methylation of the resulting triazole furnished a cryptate that was kinetically inert towards orthoester exchange and hydrolysis at pH > 1, which is equivalent to the "turnoff" of constitutionally dynamic imines by means of reduction. These findings indicate that orthoester cages may be more broadly useful than anticipated, e.g. as drug delivery agents with precisely tunable biodegradability or, thanks to the kinetic locking strategy, as ion sensors.

Templated Self-Assembly of Dynamic Peptide Nucleic Acids

Template-directed macromolecule synthesis is a hallmark of living systems. Inspired by this natural process, several fundamentally novel mechanisms for template-directed assembly of nucleic acid analogues have been developed. Although these approaches have broad significance, including potential applications in biotechnology and implications for the origins of life, there are unresolved challenges in how to characterize in detail the complex assembly equilibria associated with dynamic templated reactions. Here we describe mechanistic studies of template-directed dynamic assembly for thioester peptide nucleic acid (tPNA), an informational polymer that responds to selection pressures under enzyme-free conditions. To overcome some of the inherent challenges of mechanistic studies of dynamic oligomers, we designed, synthesized, and implemented tPNA-DNA conjugates. The DNA primer region affords a high level of control over the location and register of the tPNA backbone in relation to the template strand. We characterized the degree and kinetics of dynamic nucleobase mismatch correction at defined backbone positions. Furthermore, we report the fidelity of dynamic assembly in tPNA as a function of position along the peptide backbone. Finally, we present theoretical studies that explore the level of fidelity that can be expected for an oligomer having a given hybridization affinity in dynamic templated reactions and provide guidance for the future development of sequence self-editing polymers and materials. As our results demonstrate, the use of molecular conjugates of constitutionally static and dynamic polymers establishes a new methodology for expediting the characterization of the complex chemical equilibria that underlie the assembly of dynamic informational polymers.

Identification of Trypanosomatids by detecting Single Nucleotide Fingerprints using DNA analysis by dynamic chemistry with MALDI-ToF

Protozoan parasites of the Trypanosomatidae family can cause devastating diseases in humans and animals, such as Human African Trypanosomiasis or Sleeping Sickness, Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis. Currently, there are molecular assays for detecting parasitic infections and their post-treatment monitoring based on nucleic acid amplification, but there are still certain limitations which limit the development of assays that can detect and discriminate between parasite infections with a single test. Here, we present the development of a novel molecular assay for the rapid identification of Trypanosomatids, integrating DNA analysis by dynamic chemistry in conjunction with Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization - Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-ToF). Differentiation of Trypanosoma cruzi, Trypanosoma brucei and Leishmania spp. is now possible using a single reaction tube, and enables rapid identification of Trypanosomatids. The test is based on a singleplex PCR, using a specific primer pair that amplifies a 155 base pair segment of the 28S ribosomal RNA gene, within a conserved homology region of Trypanosomatidae species. Amplified fragments are analysed by dynamic chemistry using two abasic PNA probes and the four reactive nucleobases - containing an aldehyde functional group - with MALDI-ToF to identify unique molecular patterns created by each specie due to their single base differences (Single Nucleotide Fingerprint 'SNF') in this highly homologous region. This novel assay offers the possibility to expand routine diagnostic testing for Trypanosomatids, and monitoring of therapeutic responses to these infectious diseases.

Polymerase-free measurement of microRNA-122 with single base specificity using single molecule arrays: Detection of drug-induced liver injury

We have developed a single probe method for detecting microRNA from human serum using single molecule arrays, with sequence specificity down to a single base, and without the use of amplification by polymerases. An abasic peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe-containing a reactive amine instead of a nucleotide at a specific position in the sequence-for detecting a microRNA was conjugated to superparamagnetic beads. These beads were incubated with a sample containing microRNA, a biotinylated reactive nucleobase-containing an aldehyde group-that was complementary to the missing base in the probe sequence, and a reducing agent. When a target molecule with an exact match in sequence hybridized to the capture probe, the reactive nucleobase was covalently attached to the backbone of the probe by a dynamic covalent chemical reaction. Single molecules of the biotin-labeled probe were then labeled with streptavidin-β-galactosidase (SβG), the beads were resuspended in a fluorogenic enzyme substrate, loaded into an array of femtoliter wells, and sealed with oil. The array was imaged fluorescently to determine which beads were associated with single enzymes, and the average number of enzymes per bead was determined. The assay had a limit of detection of 500 fM, approximately 500 times more sensitive than a corresponding analog bead-based assay, with target specificity down to a single base mis-match. This assay was used to measure microRNA-122 (miR-122)-an established biomarker of liver toxicity-extracted from the serum of patients who had acute liver injury due to acetaminophen, and control healthy patients. All patients with liver injury had higher levels of miR-122 in their serum compared to controls, and the concentrations measured correlated well with those determined using RT-qPCR. This approach allows rapid quantification of circulating microRNA with single-based specificity and a limit of quantification suitable for clinical use.

DNA functionalization by dynamic chemistry

Dynamic combinatorial chemistry (DCC) is an attractive method to efficiently generate libraries of molecules from simpler building blocks by reversible reactions under thermodynamic control. Here we focus on the chemical modification of DNA oligonucleotides with acyclic diol linkers and demonstrate their potential for the deoxyribonucleic acid functionalization and generation of libraries of reversibly interconverting building blocks. The syntheses of phosphoramidite building blocks derived from D-threoninol are presented in two variants with protected amino or thiol groups. The threoninol building blocks were successfully incorporated via automated solid-phase synthesis into 13mer oligonucleotides. The amino group containing phosphoramidite was used together with complementary single-strand DNA templates that influenced the Watson–Crick base-pairing equilibrium in the mixture with a set of aldehyde modified nucleobases. A significant fraction of all possible base-pair mismatches was obtained, whereas, the highest selectivity (over 80%) was found for the guanine aldehyde templated by the complementary cytosine containing DNA. The elevated occurrence of mismatches can be explained by increased backbone plasticity derived from the linear threoninol building block as a cyclic deoxyribose analogue.

Novel bead-based platform for direct detection of unlabelled nucleic acids through Single Nucleobase Labelling

Over the last decade, circulating microRNAs have received attention as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In particular, microRNA122 has been demonstrated to be an early and more sensitive indicator of drug-induced liver injury than the widely used biomarkers such as alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Recently, microRNA122 has been used in vitro to assess the cellular toxicity of new drugs and as a biomarker for the development of a rapid test for drug overdose/liver damage. In this proof-of-concept study, we report a PCR-free and label-free detection method that has a limit of detection (3 standard deviations) of 15 fmoles of microRNA122, by integrating a dynamic chemical approach for "Single Nucleobase Labelling" with a bead-based platform (Luminex^®) thereby, in principle, demonstrating the exciting prospect of rapid and accurate profiling of any microRNAs related to diseases and toxicology.

Rapid Discovery and Structure-Activity Relationships of Pyrazolopyrimidines That Potently Suppress Breast Cancer Cell Growth via SRC Kinase Inhibition with Exceptional Selectivity over ABL Kinase

Novel pyrazolopyrimidines displaying high potency and selectivity toward SRC family kinases have been developed by combining ligand-based design and phenotypic screening in an iterative manner. Compounds were derived from the promiscuous kinase inhibitor PP1 to search for analogs that could potentially target a broad spectrum of kinases involved in cancer. Phenotypic screening against MCF7 mammary adenocarcinoma cells generated target-agnostic structure–activity relationships that biased subsequent designs toward breast cancer treatment rather than to a particular target. This strategy led to the discovery of two potent antiproliferative leads with phenotypically distinct anticancer mode of actions. Kinase profiling and further optimization resulted in eCF506, the first small molecule with subnanomolar IC₅₀ for SRC that requires 3 orders of magnitude greater concentration to inhibit ABL. eCF506 exhibits excellent water solubility, an optimal DMPK profile and oral bioavailability, halts SRC-associated neuromast migration in zebrafish embryos without inducing life-threatening heart defects, and inhibits SRC phosphorylation in tumor xenografts in mice.

A Fluorescent Probe to Measure DNA Damage and Repair

DNA damage and repair is a fundamental process that plays an important role in cancer treatment. Base excision repair (BER) is a major repair pathway that often leads to drug resistance in DNA-targeted cancer chemotherapy. In order to measure BER, we have developed a near infrared (NIR) fluorescent probe. This probe binds to a key intermediate, termed apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) site, in the BER pathway where DNA damage and repair occurs. We have developed an assay to show the efficacy of the probe binding to AP sites and have shown that it can distinguish AP sites in DNA extract from chemotherapy treated cells. This probe has potential application in monitoring patient response to chemotherapy and evaluating new drugs in development.

Dynamic combinatorial/covalent chemistry: a tool to read, generate and modulate the bioactivity of compounds and compound mixtures

Reversible covalent bond formation under thermodynamic control adds reactivity to self-assembled supramolecular systems, and is therefore an ideal tool to assess complexity of chemical and biological systems. Dynamic combinatorial/covalent chemistry (DCC) has been used to read structural information by selectively assembling receptors with the optimum molecular fit around a given template from a mixture of reversibly reacting building blocks. This technique allows access to efficient sensing devices and the generation of new biomolecules, such as small molecule receptor binders for drug discovery, but also larger biomimetic polymers and macromolecules with particular three-dimensional structural architectures. Adding a kinetic factor to a thermodynamically controlled equilibrium results in dynamic resolution and in self-sorting and self-replicating systems, all of which are of major importance in biological systems. Furthermore, the temporary modification of bioactive compounds by reversible combinatorial/covalent derivatisation allows control of their release and facilitates their transport across amphiphilic self-assembled systems such as artificial membranes or cell walls. The goal of this review is to give a conceptual overview of how the impact of DCC on supramolecular assemblies at different levels can allow us to understand, predict and modulate the complexity of biological systems.

Ag nanoclusters as probes for turn-on fluorescence recognition of TpG dinucleotide with a high selectivity

CpG dinucleotide in DNA has a great tendency to mutate to TpG dinucleotide and this transition can cause some serious diseases. In this work, fluorescent Ag nanoclusters (Ag NCs) were employed as useful inorganic fluorophores for the potential of selectively discriminating TpG dinucleotide from CpG dinucleotide. Opposite the base Y of interest in YpG dinucleotide (Y=C or T), a bulge site was introduced so as to make the base Y to be unpaired and ready for Ag(+) binding. Such that the unpaired Y and context base pairs can provide a specific space suitable for creating fluorescent Ag NCs. We found that in comparison with CpG dinucleotide, TpG dinucleotide is much more efficient in growing fluorescent Ag NCs. Therefore, mutation of CpG dinucleotide to TpG can be identified by a turn-on fluorescence response and a high selectivity. More interestingly, Ag NCs exhibit a better performance in the TpG recognition over the other dinucleotides (Y=A and G) than the previously used organic fluorophores. Additionally, the effectiveness of the bulge site design in discriminating these dinucleotides was evidenced by control DNAs having the abasic site structure. We expect that a practical method for TpG dinucleotide recognition with a high selectivity can be developed using the bulge site-grown fluorescent Ag NCs as novel probes.

Detection of single-nucleotide variations by monitoring the blinking of fluorescence induced by charge transfer in DNA

Charge transfer dynamics in DNA: Photo-induced charge separation and charge-recombination dynamics in DNA was assessed by monitoring the blinking of fluorescence. Single nucleotide variations, mismatch and one base deletion, were differentiated based on the length of the off-time of the blinking, which corresponds to the lifetime of the charge-separated state.

DNA abasic site-selective enhancement of sanguinarine fluorescence with a large emission shift

Small molecules that can specifically bind to a DNA abasic site (AP site) have received much attention due to their importance in DNA lesion identification, drug discovery, and sensor design. Herein, the AP site binding behavior of sanguinarine (SG), a natural alkaloid, was investigated. In aqueous solution, SG has a short-wavelength alkanolamine emission band and a long-wavelength iminium emission band. At pH 8.3, SG experiences a fluorescence quenching for both bands upon binding to fully matched DNAs without the AP site, while the presence of the AP site induces a strong SG binding and the observed fluorescence enhancement for the iminium band are highly dependent on the nucleobases flanking the AP site, while the alkanolamine band is always quenched. The bases opposite the AP site also exert some modifications on the SG's emission behavior. It was found that the observed quenching for DNAs with Gs and Cs flanking the AP site is most likely caused by electron transfer between the AP site-bound excited-state SG and the nearby Gs. However, the flanking As and Ts that are not easily oxidized favor the enhanced emission. This AP site-selective enhancement of SG fluorescence accompanies a band conversion in the dominate emission from the alkanolamine to iminium band thus with a large emission shift of about 170 nm. Absorption spectra, steady-state and transient-state fluorescence, DNA melting, and electrolyte experiments confirm that the AP site binding of SG occurs and the stacking interaction with the nearby base pairs is likely to prevent the converted SG iminium form from contacting with water that is thus emissive when the AP site neighbors are bases other than guanines. We expect that this fluorophore would be developed as a promising AP site binder having a large emission shift.

DCC in the development of nucleic acid targeted and nucleic acid inspired structures

Nucleic acids were one of the first biological targets explored with DCC, and research into the application has continued to yield novel and useful structures for sequence- and structure-selective recognition of oligonucleotides. This chapter reviews major developments in DNA- and RNA-targeted DCC, including methods under development for the conversion of DCC-derived lead compounds into probe molecules suitable for studies in vitro and in vivo. Innovative applications of DCC for the discovery of new materials based on nucleic acids and new methods for the modification of nucleic acid structure and function are also discussed.

Crown ether-electrolyte interactions permit nanopore detection of individual DNA abasic sites in single molecules

DNA abasic (AP) sites are one of the most frequent lesions in the genome and have a high mutagenic potential if unrepaired. After selective attachment of 2-aminomethyl-18-crown-6 (18c6), individual AP lesions are detected during electrophoretic translocation through the bacterial protein ion channel α-hemolysin (α-HL) embedded in a lipid bilayer. Interactions between 18c6 and Na(+) produce characteristic pulse-like current amplitude signatures that allow the identification of individual AP sites in single molecules of homopolymeric or heteropolymeric DNA sequences. The bulky 18c6-cation complexes also dramatically slow the DNA motion to more easily recordable levels. Further, the behaviors of the AP-18c6 adduct are different with respect to the directionalities of DNA entering the protein channel, and they can be precisely manipulated by altering the cation (Li(+), Na(+) or K(+)) of the electrolyte. This method permits detection of multiple AP lesions per strand, which is unprecedented in other work. Additionally, insights into the thermodynamics and kinetics of 18c6-cation interactions at a single-molecule level are provided by the nanopore measurement.

Novel biochip platform for nucleic acid analysis

This manuscript describes the use of a novel biochip platform for the rapid analysis/identification of nucleic acids, including DNA and microRNAs, with very high specificity. This approach combines a unique dynamic chemistry approach for nucleic acid testing and analysis developed by DestiNA Genomics with the STMicroelectronics In-Check platform, which comprises two microfluidic optimized and independent PCR reaction chambers, and a sequential microarray area for nucleic acid capture and identification by fluorescence. With its compact bench-top "footprint" requiring only a single technician to operate, the biochip system promises to transform and expand routine clinical diagnostic testing and screening for genetic diseases, cancers, drug toxicology and heart disease, as well as employment in the emerging companion diagnostics market.

Fluorescence light-up recognition of DNA nucleotide based on selective abasic site binding of an excited-state intramolecular proton transfer probe

DNA single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection has attracted much attention due to mutation-related diseases. Various fluorescence methods for SNP detection have been proposed and many are already in use. However, fluorescence enhancement for signal-on SNP identification without label modification still remains a challenge. Here, we find that the abasic site (AP site) in a DNA duplex can be developed as a binding pocket favorable for the occurrence of the excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) of a 3-hydroxyflavone, fisetin, which is used as a proof of concept for effective SNP identification. Fisetin binding at the AP site is highly selective for target thymine or cytosine facing the AP site by observation of a drastic increase in the ESIPT emission band. In addition, the target recognition selectivity based on this ESIPT process is not affected by flanking bases of the AP site. The binding selectivity of fisetin at the AP site is also confirmed by measurements of fluorescence resonance energy transfer, emission lifetime and DNA melting. The fluorescent signal-on sensing for SNP based on this fluorophore is substantially advantageous over the previously used fluorophores such as the AP site-specific signal-off organic ligands with a similar fluorescing mechanism before and after binding to DNA with hydrogen bonding interaction. We expect that this approach will be employed to develop a practical SNP detection method by locating an AP site toward a target and employing an ESIPT probe as readout.

DNA abasic site-directed formation of fluorescent silver nanoclusters for selective nucleobase recognition

DNA single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) detection has attracted much attention due to mutation related diseases. Various methods for SNP detection have been proposed and many are already in use. Here, we find that the abasic site (AP site) in the DNA duplex can be developed as a capping scaffold for the generation of fluorescent silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs). As a proof of concept, the DNA sequences from fragments near codon 177 of cancer supression gene p53 were used as a model for SNP detection by in situ formed Ag NCs. The formation of fluorescent Ag NCs in the AP site-containing DNA duplex is highly selective for cytosine facing the AP site and guanines flanking the site and can be employed in situ as readout for SNP detection. The fluorescent signal-on sensing for SNP based on this inorganic fluorophore is substantially advantageous over the previously reported signal-off responses using low-molecular-weight organic ligands. The strong dependence of fluorescent Ag NC formation on the sequences surrounding the AP site was successfully used to identify mutations in codon 177 of cancer supression gene p53. We anticipate that this approach will be employed to develop a practical SNP detection method by locating an AP site toward the midway cytosine in a target strand containing more than three consecutive cytosines.

Genotyping by alkaline dehybridization using graphically encoded particles

This work describes a nonenzymatic, isothermal genotyping method based on the kinetic differences exhibited in the dehybridization of perfectly matched (PM) and single-base mismatched (MM) DNA duplexes in an alkaline solution. Multifunctional encoded hydrogel particles incorporating allele-specific oligonucleotide (ASO) probes in two distinct regions were fabricated by using microfluidic-based stop-flow lithography. Each particle contained two distinct ASO probe sequences differing at a single base position, and thus each particle was capable of simultaneously probing two distinct target alleles. Fluorescently labeled target alleles were annealed to both probe regions of a particle, and the rate of duplex dehybridization was monitored by using fluorescence microscopy. Duplex dehybridization was achieved through an alkaline stimulus using either a pH step function or a temporal pH gradient. When a single target probe sequence was used, the rate of mismatch duplex dehybridization could be discriminated from the rate of perfect match duplex dehybridization. In a more demanding application in which two distinct probe sequences were used, we found that the rate profiles provided a means to discriminate probe dehybridizations from both of the two mismatched duplexes as well as to distinguish at high certainty the dehybridization of the two perfectly matched duplexes. These results demonstrate an ability of alkaline dehybridization to correctly discriminate the rank hierarchy of thermodynamic stability among four sets of perfect match and single-base mismatch duplexes. We further demonstrate that these rate profiles are strongly temperature dependent and illustrate how the sensitivity can be compensated beneficially by the use of an actuating gradient pH field.

Targeting Nucleic Acids using Dynamic Combinatorial Chemistry

Dynamic combinatorial chemistry (DCC) is a powerful method for the identification of novel ligands for the molecular recognition of receptor molecules. The method relies on self-assembly processes to generate libraries of compounds under reversible conditions, allowing a receptor molecule to select the optimal binding ligand from the mixture. However, while DCC is now an established field of chemistry, there are limited examples of the application of DCC to nucleic acids. The requirement to conduct experiments under physiologically relevant conditions, and avoid reaction with, or denaturation of, the target nucleic acid secondary structure, limits the choice of the reversible chemistry, and presents restrictions on the building block design. This review will summarize recent examples of applications of DCC to the recognition of nucleic acids. Studies with duplex DNA, quadruplex DNA, and RNA have utilized mainly thiol disulfide libraries, although applications of imine libraries, in combination with metal coordination, have been reported. The use of thiol disulfide libraries produces lead compounds with limited biostability, and hence design of stable analogues or mimics is required for many applications.