Abstract
The University of Central Florida invention called the OWL2, is a low-cost hybridization sensor that accurately detects single nucleotide variations (SNVs) under conditions that other probes cannot: at room temperature and in folded analytes. Detecting and analyzing SNVs in secondary folded DNA and RNA sequences is essential to identifying genetic disorders, infectious diseases, and drug-resistant pathogens.
Cells have DNA that store genetic information in the form of three nucleotides (codon) that code for amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. When a single nucleotide is mutated—for example, from G (guanine) to A (adenine)—it is referred to as a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) or an SNV. Such mutations are responsible for various medical conditions ranging from heart disease to diabetes and cancer. Early detection is critical for effective treatment.
Technical Details: The UCF OWL2 is a hybridization sensor that produces a fluorescence signal only when it complexes with fully complementary DNA or RNA analytes. The OWL2 comprises the following:
- Two analyte binding arms to tightly bind and unwind folded nucleic acid analytes
- A sequence-specific strand to recognize the analyte sequence with high selectivity
- A universal molecular beacon (UMB) probe to signal the recognition event
Under experimental conditions, the OWL2 was able to differentiate SNV in folded DNA analytes in the range of 5 to 38 C. The UMB is specific to the sequence of the sensor and does not depend on the sequence of the analyte. Thus, it allows the sensor to remain cost-efficient—the molecular beacon needs no modification when adapting the sensor to another analyte.
Partnering Opportunity: The research team is seeking partners for licensing, research collaboration, or both.
Benefit
Cost-efficientWorks on folded DNA and RNA structures at a range of temperaturesDoes not depend on the sequence of the analyteMarket Application
Point-of-care or at-home diagnostics to detect infectious or genetic diseasesTest systems for accurate molecular diagnosis of human diseasesPublications
OWL2:
a molecular beacon-based nanostructure for highly selective detection of
single-nucleotide variations in folded nucleic acids, Nanoscale, 15,
Feb 27, 2023, 5735-5742, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NR05590B
Brochure
