An aptamer-enabled DNA nanobox for protein sensing

• Published in: Nanomedicine Vol. 14; no. 4; pp. 1161 - 1168
• Main Authors: Tang, Marco S.L., Shiu, Simon Chi-Chin, Godonoga, Maia, Cheung, Yee-Wai, Liang, Shaolin, Dirkzwager, Roderick M., Kinghorn, Andrew B., Fraser, Lewis A., Heddle, Jonathan G., Tanner, Julian A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 01.06.2018
• Subjects: Aptamer; DNA nanotechnology; DNA origami; Malaria diagnosis; DNA nanotechnology; Malaria diagnosis; Aptamer; DNA origami
• ISSN: 1549-9634; 1549-9642; 1549-9642
• DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2018.01.018

DNA nanostructures can show dynamic responses to molecular triggers for a wide variety of applications. While DNA sequence signal triggers are now well-established, there is a critical need for a broader diversity of molecular triggers to drive dynamic responses in DNA nanostructures. DNA aptamers are ideal; they can both seamlessly integrate into DNA nanostructure scaffolds and transduce molecular recognition into functional responses. Here, we report construction and optimization of a DNA origami nanobox locked by a pair of DNA double strands where one strand is a DNA aptamer targeting the malaria biomarker protein Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase. The protein acts as the key which enables box opening. We observe highly specific protein-mediated box opening by both transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence. Aptamer-enabled DNA boxes have significant potential for enabling direct responses to proteins and other biomolecules in nanoscale diagnostics, drug delivery and sensing devices. A DNA origami box can sense the malaria diagnostic protein Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH), using a targeted aptamer that leads to box opening and a change in fluorescence signal upon protein binding. [Display omitted]