Novel tools for highly efficient detection of nucleic acids - Going beyond amplification

European Chemistry Congress

June 16-18, 2016 Rome, Italy

Kira Astakhova

University of Southern Denmark, Denmark

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Chem Sci J

Abstract :

Detection and studies of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are highly desirable in modern research, biotechnology and clinical assays. Owing to improved biological activity and stability artificial nucleic acids have much to offer as diagnostic and research tools. However, so far the detection of nucleic acids has been fully relied on enzymatic amplification of targets. In our research we aim at enzyme-free detection and studies of DNA and RNA. To do this, we develop novel design tools and synthesis of efficient fluorescent probes with improved properties for detection of nucleic acids. In my talk I will present our recent findings in the development of oligonucleotide probes and assays that allows to detect long natural DNA and RNA molecules at ultra-low concentrations. In particular, enzyme-free detection of EBOLA RNA using our new approach will be described. Naturally occurring nucleic acids are typically present as super-coiled molecules in complex biological media and often at very low concentrations. This makes them challenging objects for detection which require ultra-sensitive and specific oligonucleotide probes. The novel probes and assays which we develop could become a new approach to rapid, reliable and enzyme-free detection of viral and other nucleic acids. Importantly, stoichiometry of detected targets will be conserved in the enzyme-free assay, which allows for an accurate studies and estimation of e.g. mutation abundance when the detection limit requirement is met. Using fluorescence microscopy, this could become a new approach to detect and investigate DNA at singlemolecule resolution and directly in the biological sample of choice. ias@sdu.dk