Abstract

Transcription factor (TF)-based metabolite detection mainly depends on TF-regulated gene expression in cells. From TF activation to gene transcription and translation, the signal travels a relatively long way before it is received. Here, we propose a TF-splinting duplex DNA nanoswitch to detect metabolites. We show its feasibility using tryptophan repressor (TrpR) to detect l-tryptophan as a model. The assay has been optimized and characterized after obtaining a proof of concept, and the detection of l-tryptophan in complex biological samples is feasible. Unlike an equivalent gene expression approach, the whole process is a single-step, enzyme-free, and signal-on method. It can be completed within 20 min. This proposed TF-splinting duplex has the potential to be applied to the quick and convenient detection of other metabolites or even TFs.

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