MicroRNAs (miRNA) are small noncoding RNAs that are posttranscriptional regulators of messenger RNA (mRNA). Altered expressions of these miRNA are associated with cancers and other various diseases. The deregulation of the micro RNA, miR-92a, serves as a biomarker for traumatic brain injury (TBI). For this project, newly designed aptamer scaffolds are used for detection of miR-92a. An aptamer is a single strand of DNA or RNA that binds to a target with high specificity. Unique DNA aptamer scaffolds were rationally designed to undergo a conformational change in the presence of flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD). This interaction will form a stem-loop structure that is able to hybridize with miR-92a. In the presence of miR-92a, the aptamer and target molecule will selectively hybridize and simultaneously undergo a structural change to release FAD. The released flavin can be detected electrochemically, via the redox potential of free flavin. The binding motifs are carried out on streptavidin coated magnetic beads via a 5’ biotinlyated aptamer to reduce non-specific interactions with free flavin. This project contributes to the development of electrochemical biosensors for clinically relevant targets.

Allosteric aptamer scaffolds for detection of miR-92a

2019 Spring National Meeting

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