DNA clamps help diagnose genetic mutations that cause cancer

Recently, scientists have successfully developed a special type of DNA "clamp" , which can act as a nanoscale device thanks to its ability to identify genetic mutations that cause cancer, coagulation disorders. , sickle cell anemia and many other diseases more effectively than existing techniques. Not only can it be used to develop advanced diagnostic and testing methods, "clamping" DNA also allows the creation of nano-DNA systems for drug delivery by purpose.

To detect the disease at an early stage, researchers have sought to establish screening tests for each type of genetic mutation with great potential to cause serious illnesses. When the nucleotide sequence forms a modified DNA sequence, this can be interpreted as a mutation. Different types of cancers are caused by different types of mutations. Even if a single basic nucleotide is added, removed or altered, it can change a DNA sequence - scientists call point mutations .

To detect this type of mutation, researchers will normally use molecular probes. In it, DNA sequences will fluoresce if a mutation in the DNA sequence is detected. The DNA clamping group said the nanoscale tool allows them to distinguish between mutant and normal DNA.

"Our clamped DNA probes can perform functions similar to probes that are still being used in many clinical diagnostics around the world since people realize the ability to detect quickly and play Fluorescence of individual DNA sequences or DNA mutations, however, thanks to the two-headed "clamping" mechanism for binding to DNA - a DNA sequence from the patient is identified by two sequences on the probe, DNA clamp can detect point mutations with higher efficiency than molecular probes method ", said Alexis Vallée-Bélisle - professor of chemistry at the University of Montreal.

According to the team, DNA clamps are designed to identify additional DNA sequences. Upon detection, the DNA clamp automatically binds to the sequence to form a stable 3-fold helical structure and fluorescence. With the ability to detect point mutations easily, the method is expected to help physicians identify other cancer risks with higher sensitivity, accuracy and can inform patients. about cancer possibilities. Potential genetic diagnostics will allow to inhibit the development of diseases, including cancer before they get worse.

"Cancer is a very complex disease because it comes from many factors. However, most factors are expressed in DNA. We can only detect cancer or cancer potential. Our understanding of the effects of genetic mutations in many different cancer processes makes early diagnosis of cancer types more feasible , " explains Vallée-Bélisle.

Currently, the team is only testing the probe on artificial DNA sequences and they have also planned to test the method on humans. The team believes that DNA clamping will "bring in a new weapon in order to help them develop more efficient and flexible DNA DNA tools". For example, to bring drugs to tumor cells without affecting healthy cells, scientists can exploit DNA-based nano tools created by assembling multiple sequences. Different DNA to form a 3-dimensional structure like a box. When faced with signs of cancer, the box can open and distribute medication correctly. DNA clamping is expected to help this process work better.

Professor Francesco Ricci of Rome, Tor Vegata, Italy, said: "The DNA clamp we designed and optimized can detect a DNA sequence with high accuracy and attractiveness. DNA clamping means can be used as a super glue to assemble nano tools and create a 3D structure that can be opened if detecting the presence of disease signs and dispensing medication ".

The international research project is funded by the US National Institutes of Health, the Italian Ministry of Universities and Research (MIUR), the Canadian Natural Science and Technology Research Council, the Discovery Discovery Program. Large-scale challenge of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the EC Curriculum Marie Curie. Details of the study have just been published in ACS Nano magazine.