Droplet systems such as DNA droplets, which are formed by liquid-liquid phase separation of macromolecules, play an essential role in cellular functions. Now, by combining the technologies of DNA droplets and DNA computing, computational DNA droplets have been developed, which can recognize specific patterns in tumor biomarker microRNA sequences. [1]

Figure 1. The Novel method for early disease detection using DNA droplets

Figure 1 shows a group of scientists at Tokyo University of Technology (Tokyo Tech) led by Prof. Masahiro Takinoue has developed a computational DNA droplet with the ability to recognize specific combinations of chemically synthesized microRNAs (miRNAs) that act as biomarkers of tumors. Using these miRNAs as molecular input, the droplets can give a DNA logic computing output through physical DNA droplet phase separation.[2]

Developing this DNA droplet required a series of experiments. First, they designed three types of Y-shaped DNA nanostructures called Y-motifs A, B, and C with 3 sticky ends to make A, B, and C DNA droplets. Typically, similar droplets band together automatically while to join dissimilar droplets a special "linker" molecule required. [3]

In their first experiment they evaluated the "AND" operation in the AB droplet mixture by introducing 2 input DNAs. In this operation, the presence of input is recorded as 1 while its absence is recorded as 0. The phase separation of AB droplet mixture occurred only at (1,1), meaning when both input DNAs are present, suggesting successful application of AND operation. [3]

The team showed simultaneously AND and NOT operations in the AB mixture with miRNA-3 and miRNA-4 breast cancer biomarkers in later studies. Finally, they made an ABC droplet combination and added each of the four breast cancer indicators to it. The phase separation in an ABC droplet was determined by the cleavage of the linker, which resulted in a two-phase or three-phase separation. [4]

References:

1. https://kazanas.com/novel-method-for-early-disease-detection-using-dna-droplets/
2. https://indiaeducationdiary.in/tokyo-institute-of-technology-novel-method-for-early-disease-detection-using-dna-droplets/
3. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/06/220603153340.htm
4. https://physicsalert.com/a-novel-method-for-early-disease-detection-using-dna-droplets/

Cite this article:

Thanusri swetha J (2022), Novel method for early disease detection using DNA droplets, Anatechmaz, pp.236