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Molecular Beacon Nano-Sensors for Probing Living Cancer Cells

  • Tairong Kuang
  • , Lingqian Chang*
  • , Xiangfang Peng
  • , Xianglong Hu
  • , Daniel Gallego-Perez
  • *Corresponding author for this work
  • South China University of Technology
  • Ohio State University
  • South China Normal University

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Heterogeneities and oncogenesis essentially result from proteomic disorders orchestrated by changes in DNA and/or cytoplasmic mRNA. These genetic fluctuations, however, cannot be decoded through conventional label-free methods (e.g., patch clamps, electrochemical cellular biosensors, etc.) or morphological characterization. Molecular beacons (MBs) have recently emerged as efficient probes for interrogating biomarkers in live cancer cells. MBs hybridize with their intracellular targets (e.g., mRNAs, DNAs, or proteins), emitting a fluorescent signal that can be quantified and correlated with the expression levels of their targets. In this review we discuss MB probes with different delivery platforms for intracellular probing as well as novel MB designs for detecting a variety of targets in living cancer cells. Finally, we describe current trends in MB-based intracellular biosensors.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)347-359
Number of pages13
JournalTrends in Biotechnology
Volume35
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Apr 2017
Externally publishedYes

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
    SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being

Keywords

  • cancer cells
  • heterogeneities
  • intracellular delivery
  • intracellular probes
  • mRNAs
  • molecular beacons

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