Reconfigurable hybrid interface for molecular marker diagnostics and in-situ reporting

Biosens Bioelectron. 2015 Dec 15:74:744-50. doi: 10.1016/j.bios.2015.07.035. Epub 2015 Jul 17.

Abstract

Combinations of molecular signals such as transcription factors and microRNAs in cells are a reliable indicator of multi-gene disorders. A system capable of detecting these conditions in-situ may be used as a tool for diagnosis and monitoring of disease. Here, we engineer genetic circuits that sense endogenous levels of the androgen receptor (AR), the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and the microRNA hsa-miR-21 (miR-21) in cervical cancer cells (HeLa). Furthermore, using the mediator molecule human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), we interface the intracellular information to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test strips. We demonstrate that this hybrid genetic circuit and test-strip interface can accommodate combinatorial, low-cost, and in-situ reporting, a versatile profiling tool.

Keywords: Diagnostics; Hybrid sensors; MicroRNAs; Profiling.; Synthetic biology.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers, Tumor / analysis*
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics
  • Biosensing Techniques / instrumentation
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure Analysis
  • Gene Regulatory Networks / genetics*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • MicroRNAs / analysis*
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • Molecular Diagnostic Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / analysis
  • Neoplasm Proteins / genetics
  • Reagent Strips*
  • Transcription Factors / analysis*
  • Transcription Factors / genetics

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor
  • MicroRNAs
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Reagent Strips
  • Transcription Factors