Exponential quadruplex priming amplification for DNA‐based isothermal diagnostics

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method of choice for molecular diagnostics. However, PCR relies on thermal cycling, which is not compatible with the goals of point‐of‐care diagnostics. A simple strategy to turn PCR into an isothermal method would be to use specific primers, which upon polymerase elongation can self‐dissociate from the primer‐binding sites. We recently demonstrated that a monomolecular DNA quadruplex, GGGTGGGTGGGTGGG, meets these requirements, which led to the development of the linear versions of quadruplex priming amplification (QPA). Here we demonstrate exponential version of isothermal QPA, which allows an unprecedented 10¹⁰‐fold amplification of DNA signal in less than 40 min. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 103: 88–95, 2015.     

Isothermal amplification of DNA using quadruplex primers with fluorescent pteridine base analogue 3‐methyl isoxanthopterin

We previously developed a method, known as quadruplex priming amplification (QPA), which greatly simplifies DNA amplification and quantification assays. QPA employs specific primers based on GGGTGGGTGGGTGGG (G3T) sequence, which upon polymerase elongation spontaneously dissociates from the target and folds into a stable quadruplex. Fluorescent nucleotide analogs, when incorporated into these primers, emit light upon quadruplex formation and permit simple, specific, and sensitive quantification without the attachment of probe molecules. Here, we studied optical [fluorescence and circular dichroism (CD)] and thermodynamic properties of the G3T sequence and variants incorporating 3‐methylisoxanthopterin (3MI), a highly fluorescent nucleotide analog suitable for QPA. CD studies demonstrate that the incorporation of 3MI does not change the overall tertiary structure of G3T; however, thermal unfolding experiments revealed that it significantly destabilizes the quadruplex. Enzymatic studies revealed that Taq and Bst are practically unable to incorporate any nucleotides opposite to template 3MI. Based on this knowledge, we designed QPA assays with truncated targets that demonstrate efficient amplification around 55°C. Overall, these studies suggest that 3MI‐based QPA is a useful assay for DNA amplification and detection. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 583–590, 2014.     

Sensitive RNA detection by combining three-way junction formation and primer generation-rolling circle amplification

Recently, we developed a simple isothermal nucleic acid amplification reaction, primer generation-rolling circle amplification (PG-RCA), to detect specific DNA sequences with great sensitivity and large dynamic range. In this paper, we combined PG-RCA with a three-way junction (3WJ) formation, and detected specific RNA molecules with high sensitivity and specificity in a one-step and isothermal reaction format. In the presence of target RNA, 3WJ probes (primer and template) are designed to form a 3WJ structure, from which multiple signal primers for the following PG-RCA can be generated by repeating primer extension, nicking and signal primer dissociation. Although this signal primer generation is a linear amplification process, the PG-RCA exponentially can amplify these signal primers and thus even a very small amount of RNA specimen can be detected. After optimizing the structures of 3WJ probes, the detection limit of this assay was 15.9 zmol (9.55 × 10(3) molecules) of synthetic RNA or 143 zmol (8.6 × 10(4) molecules) of in vitro transcribed human CD4 mRNA. Further, the applicability of this assay to detect CD4 mRNA in a human mRNA sample was demonstrated.     

Sensitive isothermal detection of nucleic-acid sequence by primer generation–rolling circle amplification

A simple isothermal nucleic-acid amplification reaction, primer generation–rolling circle amplification (PG–RCA), was developed to detect specific nucleic-acid sequences of sample DNA. This amplification method is achievable at a constant temperature (e.g. 60°C) simply by mixing circular single-stranded DNA probe, DNA polymerase and nicking enzyme. Unlike conventional nucleic-acid amplification reactions such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), this reaction does not require exogenous primers, which often cause primer dimerization or non-specific amplification. Instead, ‘primers’ are generated and accumulated during the reaction. The circular probe carries only two sequences: (i) a hybridization sequence to the sample DNA and (ii) a recognition sequence of the nicking enzyme. In PG–RCA, the circular probe first hybridizes with the sample DNA, and then a cascade reaction of linear rolling circle amplification and nicking reactions takes place. In contrast with conventional linear rolling circle amplification, the signal amplification is in an exponential mode since many copies of ‘primers’ are successively produced by multiple nicking reactions. Under the optimized condition, we obtained a remarkable sensitivity of 84.5 ymol (50.7 molecules) of synthetic sample DNA and 0.163 pg (~60 molecules) of genomic DNA from Listeria monocytogenes, indicating strong applicability of PG–RCA to various molecular diagnostic assays.     

Molecular Zipper: a fluorescent probe for real-time isothermal DNA amplification

Rolling-circle amplification (RCA) and ramification amplification (RAM, also known as hyperbranched RCA) are isothermal nucleic acid amplification technologies that have gained a great application in in situ signal amplification, DNA and protein microarray assays, single nucleotide polymorphism detection, as well as clinical diagnosis. Real-time detection of RCA or RAM products has been a challenge because of most real-time detection systems, including Taqman and Molecular Beacon, are designed for thermal cycling-based DNA amplification technology. In the present study, we describe a novel fluorescent probe construct, termed molecular zipper, which is specially designed for quantifying target DNA by real-time monitoring RAM reactions. Our results showed that the molecular zipper has very low background fluorescence due to the strong interaction between two strands. Once it is incorporated into the RAM products its double strand region is opened by displacement, therefore, its fluorophore releases a fluorescent signal. Applying the molecular zipper in RAM assay, we were able to detect as few as 10 molecules within 90 min reaction. A linear relationship was observed between initial input of targets and threshold time (R² = 0.985). These results indicate that molecular zipper can be applied to real-time monitoring and qualification of RAM reaction, implying an amenable method for automatic RAM-based diagnostic assays.     

A novel loop-mediated isothermal amplification approach for sex identification of Columbidae birds

Because it is difficult to differentiate male and female Columbidae birds (e.g., Columba livia) on the basis of morphology, detection of DNA fragments associated with Chromobox-Helicase-DNA binding genes or female-specific genes have been widely used. The objective was to establish a loop-mediated isothermal amplification system involving the 18S ribosomal RNA gene and a female-specific gene for sex identification of Columba livia birds. Unlike polymerase chain reaction (PCR), random amplification polymorphic DNA-PCR and amplified fragment length polymorphism-PCR, target DNA was amplified under isothermal conditions (the entire process was completed in <60 min). By modulating various parameters involved in amplification, e.g., concentrations of MgSO₄, betaine, Bst polymerase, and deoxynucleotide triphosphates, as well as the relative ratio of outer/inner primers and temperatures, optimal conditions for both targets were established that had equal detection limits (62.5 ng). To simplify sex determination, direct observations of the presence of white precipitate (derived from magnesium pyrophosphates) were used for positive samples, which was compared with the whitish ring which formed in a negative sample after addition of CuSO₄. This approach was a rapid alternative to electrophoresis or turbidimetry. DNA extracted from the blood and feathers of various birds were tested using loop-mediated isothermal amplification; results were consistent with a standard PCR. Thus, the assay was a simple, accurate, fast, and economical alternative suitable for veterinary practice.     

Diagnosis of Brugian Filariasis by Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification

In this study we developed and evaluated a Brugia Hha I repeat loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for the rapid detection of Brugia genomic DNA. Amplification was detected using turbidity or fluorescence as readouts. Reactions generated a turbidity threshold value or a clear visual positive within 30 minutes using purified genomic DNA equivalent to one microfilaria. Similar results were obtained using DNA isolated from blood samples containing B. malayi microfilariae. Amplification was specific to B. malayi and B. timori, as no turbidity was observed using DNA from the related filarial parasites Wuchereria bancrofti, Onchocerca volvulus or Dirofilaria immitis, or from human or mosquito. Furthermore, the assay was most robust using a new strand-displacing DNA polymerase termed Bst 2.0 compared to wild-type Bst DNA polymerase, large fragment. The results indicate that the Brugia Hha I repeat LAMP assay is rapid, sensitive and Brugia-specific with the potential to be developed further as a field tool for diagnosis and mapping of brugian filariasis.     

IQPA: Isothermal nucleic acid amplification-based immunoassay using DNAzyme as the reporter system

Immunoassays are often coupled to peroxidase activity for antigen detection. Sensitivity and speed of detection has been increased by the advent of hybrid methods such as immuno-PCR (polymerase chain reaction). However, a more simplified immunoassay that retains both colorimetric peroxidase detection and effective DNA amplification in a setting closer to field application conditions has been nonexistent. Here we describe a method that successfully combines a competitive immunoassay with the new isothermal quadruplex-primed amplification (QPA) to generate excess quadruplex reporter molecules with intrinsic peroxidase DNAzyme activity.     

Loop-mediated isothermal amplification as an emerging technology for detection of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Yersinia ruckeri</Emphasis>the causative agent of enteric red mouth disease in fish

Background

Enteric Redmouth (ERM) disease also known as Yersiniosis is a contagious disease affecting salmonids, mainly rainbow trout. The causative agent is the gram-negative bacterium Yersinia ruckeri. The disease can be diagnosed by isolation and identification of the causative agent, or detection of the Pathogen using fluorescent antibody tests, ELISA and PCR assays. These diagnostic methods are laborious, time consuming and need well trained personnel.

Results

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed and evaluated for detection of Y. ruckeri the etiological agent of enteric red mouth (ERM) disease in salmonids. The assay was optimised to amplify the yruI/yruR gene, which encodes Y. ruckeri quorum sensing system, in the presence of a specific primer set and Bst DNA polymerase at an isothermal temperature of 63°C for one hour. Amplification products were detected by visual inspection, agarose gel electrophoresis and by real-time monitoring of turbidity resulted by formation of LAMP amplicons. Digestion with HphI restriction enzyme demonstrated that the amplified product was unique. The specificity of the assay was verified by the absence of amplification products when tested against related bacteria. The assay had 10-fold higher sensitivity compared with conventional PCR and successfully detected Y. ruckeri not only in pure bacterial culture but also in tissue homogenates of infected fish.

Conclusion

The ERM-LAMP assay represents a practical alternative to the microbiological approach for rapid, sensitive and specific detection of Y. ruckeri in fish farms. The assay is carried out in one hour and needs only a heating block or water bath as laboratory furniture. The advantages of the ERM-LAMP assay make it a promising tool for molecular detection of enteric red mouth disease in fish farms.

     

Multiplex mRNA assay using electrophoretic tags for high-throughput gene expression analysis

We describe a novel multiplexing technology using a library of small fluorescent molecules, termed eTag molecules, to code and quantify mRNA targets. eTag molecules, which have the same fluorometric property, but distinct charge-to-mass ratios possess pre-defined electrophoretic characteristics and can be resolved using capillary electrophoresis. Coupled with primary Invader® mRNA assay, eTag molecules were applied to simultaneously quantify up to 44 mRNA targets. This multiplexing approach was validated by examining a panel of inflammation responsive genes in human umbilical vein endothelial cells stimulated with inflammatory cytokine interleukin 1β. The laser-induced fluorescence detection and electrokinetic sample injection process in capillary electrophoresis allows sensitive quantification of thousands of copies of mRNA molecules in a reaction. The assay is precise, as evaluated by measuring qualified Z′ factor, a dimensionless and simple characteristic for applications in high-throughput screening using mRNA assays. Our data demonstrate the synergy between the multiplexing capability of eTag molecules by sensitive capillary electrophoresis detection and the isothermal linear amplification characteristics of the Invader® assay. eTag multiplex mRNA assay presents a unique platform for sensitive, high sample throughput and multiplex gene expression analysis.     

SNP与基因检测及表达中的RCA技术

滚环扩增(rollingcircleamplification,RCA)技术是一种新的分子生物学检测方法。该方法不仅可以在体外等温条件下对核酸进行高度特异性的检测,而且还可通过线性或指数扩增来进行信号级联放大,其灵敏度能达到1个拷贝的核酸分子,因此,可用于痕量分子的检测。目前,滚环扩增技术广泛应用于全基因组DNA检测、核酸测序、单核苷酸多态性、DNA芯片及蛋白质芯片分析等领域。     

Repair of hydrolytic DNA deamination damage in thermophilic bacteria: cloning and characterization of a Vsr endonuclease homolog from Bacillus stearothermophilus

Hydrolytic deamination of 5-methyl cytosine in double stranded DNA results in formation of a T/G mismatch that—if left unrepaired—leads to a C→T transition mutation in half of the progeny. In addition to several mismatch-specific glycosylases that have been found in both pro- and eukaryotes to channel this lesion into base excision repair by removing the T from the mismatch, Vsr endonuclease from Escherichia coli has been described which initiates repair by an endonucleolytic strand incision 5′ to the mismatched T. We have isolated a gene coding for a homolog of E.coli Vsr endonuclease from the thermophilic bacterium Bacillus stearothermophilus H3 (Vsr.Bst) using a method that allows PCR amplification with degenerated primers of gene segments which code for only one highly conserved amino acid region. Vsr.Bst was produced heterologously in E.coli and purified to apparent homogeneity. Vsr.Bst specifically incises heteroduplex DNA with a preference for T/G mismatches. The selectivity of Vsr.Bst for the sequence context of the T/G mismatch appears less pronounced than for Vsr.Eco.     

Attomole DNA detection assay via rolling circle amplification and single molecule detection

A bead-based assay was developed for highly sensitive single molecule DNA detection. Rolling circle amplification (RCA), an isothermal amplification technique that creates tandem repeated sequences, was used in combination with a fluorescent complementary DNA to create dense clusters of fluorescence. These clusters, each corresponding to a single target molecule, can be detected unambiguously due to their high signal/noise ratios. The limit of detection of this assay is approximately 1 amol. This simple single molecule assay allows high detection sensitivity without the use of complex equipment.     

Exponential ATP amplification through simultaneous regeneration from AMP and pyrophosphate for luminescence detection of bacteria

Bacteria monitoring is essential for many industrial manufacturing processes, particularly those involving in food, biopharmaceuticals, and semiconductor production. Firefly luciferase ATP luminescence assay is a rapid and simple bacteria detection method. However, the detection limit of this assay for Escherichia coli is approximately 10⁴ colony-forming units (CFU), which is insufficient for many applications. This study aims to improve the assay sensitivity by simultaneous conversion of PP_i and AMP, two products of the luciferase reaction, back to ATP to form two chain-reaction loops. Because each consumed ATP continuously produces two new ATP molecules, this approach can achieve exponential amplification of ATP. Two consecutive enzyme reactions were employed to regenerate AMP into ATP: adenylate kinase converting AMP into ADP using UTP as the energy source, and acetate kinase catalyzing acetyl phosphate and ADP into ATP. The PP_i-recycling loop was completed using ATP sulfurylase and adenosine 5′ phosphosulfate. The modification maintains good quantification linearity in the ATP luminescence assay and greatly increases its bacteria detection sensitivity. This improved method can detect bacteria concentrations of fewer than 10 CFU. This exponential ATP amplification assay will benefit bacteria monitoring in public health and manufacturing processes that require high-quality water.     

Specific detection of DNA and RNA targets using a novel isothermal nucleic acid amplification assay based on the formation of a three-way junction structure

The formation of DNA three-way junction (3WJ) structures has been utilised to develop a novel isothermal nucleic acid amplification assay (SMART) for the detection of specific DNA or RNA targets. The assay consists of two oligonucleotide probes that hybridise to a specific target sequence and, only then, to each other forming a 3WJ structure. One probe (template for the RNA signal) contains a non-functional single-stranded T7 RNA polymerase promoter sequence. This promoter sequence is made double-stranded (hence functional) by DNA polymerase, allowing T7 RNA polymerase to generate a target-dependent RNA signal which is measured by an enzyme-linked oligosorbent assay (ELOSA). The sequence of the RNA signal is always the same, regardless of the original target sequence. The SMART assay was successfully tested in model systems with several single-stranded synthetic targets, both DNA and RNA. The assay could also detect specific target sequences in both genomic DNA and total RNA from Escherichia coli. It was also possible to generate signal from E.coli samples without prior extraction of nucleic acid, showing that for some targets, sample purification may not be required. The assay is simple to perform and easily adaptable to different targets.     

Sensitive and Rapid Detection of Giardia lamblia Infection in Pet Dogs using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification

Giardia lamblia is recognized as one of the most prevalent parasites in dogs. The present study aimed to establish a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for rapid and specific detection of G. lamblia from dogs. The fecal samples were collected and prepared for microscopic analysis, and then the genomic DNA was extracted directly from purified cysts. The concentration of DNA samples of G. lamblia were diluted by 10-fold serially ranging from 10^-1 to 10^-5 ng/µl for LAMP and PCR assays. The LAMP assay allows the amplification to be finished within 60 min under isothermal conditions of 63℃ by employing 6 oligonucleotide primers designed based on G. lamblia elongation factor 1 alpha (EF1α) gene sequence. Our tests showed that the specific amplification products were obtained only with G. lamblia, while no amplification products were detected with DNA of other related protozoans. Sensitivity evaluation indicated that the LAMP assay was sensitive 10 times more than PCR. It is concluded that LAMP is a rapid, highly sensitive and specific DNA amplification technique for detection of G. lamblia, which has implications for effective control and prevention of giardiasis.     

Application of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based technology for authentication of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Catharanthus roseus</Emphasis> (L.) G. Don

In this study, loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)-based molecular marker was developed for authentication of Catharanthus roseus, a medicinal plant. Samples of this plant were collected from different geographical locations in India. Random amplified polymorphic deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) analysis of collected samples was carried out with 25 random primers. A 610-bp DNA fragment, common to all accessions, was eluted, cloned, and sequenced. Four LAMP primers were designed on the basis of sequence of 610 bp DNA fragment. LAMP reaction, containing 10× Bst DNA polymerase reaction buffer, Bst DNA polymerase, four in-house designed primers, dNTPs, MgSO₄, and betaine, was incubated at 65°C for 1 h. The resulting amplicon was visualized by adding SYBR Green I to the reaction tube. The data showed confirmatory results. Since the assay method is simple, sensitive, and cost-effective, it is a feasible method for identifying and authentication of C. roseus.