Project Title: G-quadruplex formation-based biosensor for cancer cell detection
Research overview. G-quadruplex structures play a crucial role in cancer detection. DNA tetraplexes form these structures in regions rich in guanine (G). G-quadruplex conformation is typical in nucleic acid sequences within the human genome, especially in telomeres. Telomeres are located at the ends of human chromosomes and contain hexameric G-rich sequences of 5 to 15 kb length. Under physiological conditions with high concentrations of K+ and Na+, guanines can form G-tetrad with other guanines, which stack to form G-quadruplexes. These structures are crucial in controlling telomerase activity and acting as telomerase inhibitors. Telomerase activity is present in nearly 85% of all cancer types, making it a valuable clinical diagnostic tool. The Díaz-Ayala laboratory focuses on developing bio-electrochemical sensors that allow the early detection of cancer cells. In this project, PR-CLIMB students will detect telomerase activity by monitoring telomeres elongation and G-quadruplex formation on gold interdigitated electrode surfaces, modified with a small telomerase substrate (TS) with insufficient guanines to form a g-quadruplex as the starting material. Electrochemical studies before and after the exposition of the TS probe to cancerous cells will be performed to determine the occurrence of G-quadruplex formation. The results could offer a method for cancer detection, which is needed for more sensitive, accurate, rapidly, and cost-effective detection.
Skills: PR-CLIMB participants will learn about cancer detection methods and the development of electrochemical biosensors. Given the project stems from the company BIDEA LLC, which Dr. Díaz-Ayala is the P.I., the student will learn about entrepreneurship.
Skills: PR-CLIMB participants will learn about cancer detection methods and the development of electrochemical biosensors. Given the project stems from the company BIDEA LLC, which Dr. Díaz-Ayala is the P.I., the student will learn about entrepreneurship.