Dual-Responsive Y-DNA for Monitoring Apoptotic Signaling Pathway

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Researchers from Southwest University in Chongqing, People's Republic of China, have developed a new method for monitoring apoptotic signaling pathway using a dual-responsive Y-DNA. This innovative approach combines the detection of key molecules involved in apoptosis, providing valuable insights into the complex cellular process. According to the study, the new method is highly sensitive and can detect as low as 45.10 fM and 586.0 pM of c-Myc mRNA and Cyt c, respectively.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers developed a dual-responsive Y-DNA that can monitor upstream and downstream signaling molecules during cell apoptosis.
  • The Y-DNA is composed of three-armed Y-shaped DNA (Y-DNA) that is loaded with ZnO nanoflowers, which decompose into Zn2+ in cancer cells, serving as a cofactor for the DNAzyme cascade.
  • The overexpressed c-Myc mRNA in cancer cells triggers catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) of Y1 and H1, leading to the cleavage of S1 and restoration of red fluorescence of Cy5.
  • The study achieved highly sensitive intracellular imaging of c-Myc mRNA and Cyt c, with limits of detection of 45.10 fM and 586.0 pM, respectively.
  • The researchers used National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) and Natural Science Foundation of Chongqing funding for this research.
  • The study concluded that dual-responsive Y-DNA creates a promising fluorescence platform for monitoring apoptotic signaling pathways.
  • Additional authors for this research include Haiping Tan, Jinwen Zhao, Shengjuan Liu, and Ruo Yuan.
  • The research has been peer-reviewed and published in Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical.

Statistics:

  • The limits of detection for c-Myc mRNA and Cyt c were 45.10 fM and 586.0 pM, respectively.
  • The study used ZnO nanoflowers that decompose into Zn2+ in cancer cells, serving as a cofactor for the DNAzyme cascade.
  • The overexpressed c-Myc mRNA in cancer cells led to the cleavage of S1 and restoration of red fluorescence of Cy5.
  • The dual-responsive Y-DNA created a promising fluorescence platform for monitoring apoptotic signaling pathways.

Sources:

  • NewsRx. Researchers from Southwest University Report New Studies and Findings in the Area of Apoptosis (Dual-responsive Y-dna for Monitoring Apoptotic Signaling Pathway). Cancer Weekly. November 4, 2025; p 53.
  • Chen, S., et al. Dual-responsive Y-dna for Monitoring Apoptotic Signaling Pathway. Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical, 2025;442.
  • Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical. Elsevier Science Sa, PO Box 564, 1001 Lausanne, Switzerland. (Elsevier - www.elsevier.com; Sensors and Actuators B: Chemical - www.journals.elsevier.com/sensors-and-actuators-b-chemical/)
  • Southwest University. School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Key Lab Luminescence Anal & Mol Sensing, Ministry of Education, Chongqing 400715, People's Republic of China.