Effects of formamide on the thermal stability of DNA duplexes on biochips

Low-Temperature and High-Efficiency Solid-Phase Amplification Based on Formamide

The thermal stability of DNA immobilized on a solid surface is one of the factors that affects the efficiency of solid-phase amplification (SP-PCR). Although variable temperature amplification ensures high specificity of the reaction by precisely controlling temperature changes, excessively high temperatures during denaturation can negatively affect DNA stability. Formamide (FA) enables DNA denaturation at lower temperatures, showing potential for SP-PCR. Research on FA's impacts on DNA microarrays is still limited, necessitating further optimization in exploring the characteristics of FA in SP-PCR according to particular application needs. We immobilized DNA on a chip using a crosslinker and generated DNA microarrays through bridge amplification based on FA denaturation on our automated reaction device. We optimized the denaturation and hybridization parameters of FA, achieving a maximum cluster density of 2.83 × 104 colonies/mm2. Compared to high-temperature denaturation, FA denaturation required a lower template concentration and milder reaction conditions and produced higher cluster density, demonstrating that FA effectively improves hybridization rates on surfaces. Regarding the immobilized DNA stability, the FA group exhibited a 45% loss of DNA, resulting in a 15% higher DNA retention rate compared to the high-temperature group, indicating that FA can better maintain DNA stability. Our study suggests that using FA improves the immobilized DNA stability and amplification efficiency in SP-PCR.

Quantifying telomeric lncRNAs using PNA-labelled RNA-Flow FISH (RNA-Flow)

Here we present a method to detect and quantify long non-coding RNAs, in particular those related to telomeres. By coupling the specificity of a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probe with flow cytometry we have quantified cellular levels of TERRA and TERC lncRNAs in culture cell lines and PBMCs. This easy-to-use method appointed RNA-Flow allows reliable lncRNA quantification with broad applications in basic research and clinical diagnostics. In addition, the staining protocol presented here was proven useful for the detection and quantification of such lncRNAs on unfixed cells using confocal microscopy.

Telomeric-associated long non-coding RNAs TERRA and TERC can be quantified in culture cell lines and human PBMCs using peptide nucleic acid probes with flow cytometry (RNA-Flow).

Melting Curve Analysis of Aptachains: Adenosine Detection with Internal Calibration

Small molecules are ubiquitous in nature and their detection is relevant in various domains. However, due to their size, sensitive and selective probes are difficult to select and the detection methods are generally indirect. In this study, we introduced the use of melting curve analysis of aptachains based on split-aptamers for the detection of adenosine. Aptamers, short oligonucleotides, are known to be particularly efficient probes compared to antibodies thanks to their advantageous probe/target size ratio. Aptachains are formed from dimers with dangling ends followed by the split-aptamer binding triggered by the presence of the target. The high melting temperature of the dimers served as a calibration for the detection/quantification of the target based on the height and/or temperature shift of the aptachain melting peak.

Influence of ClearT and ClearT2 Agitation Conditions in the Fluorescence Imaging of 3D Spheroids

3D tumor spheroids have arisen in the last years as potent tools for the in vitro screening of novel anticancer therapeutics. Nevertheless, to increase the reproducibility and predictability of the data originated from the spheroids it is still necessary to develop or optimize the techniques used for spheroids’ physical and biomolecular characterization. Fluorescence microscopy, such as confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), is a tool commonly used by researchers to characterize spheroids structure and the antitumoral effect of novel therapeutics. However, its application in spheroids’ analysis is hindered by the limited light penetration in thick samples. For this purpose, optical clearing solutions have been explored to increase the spheroids’ transparency by reducing the light scattering. In this study, the influence of agitation conditions (i.e., static, horizontal agitation, and rotatory agitation) on the Clear^T and Clear^T2 methods’ clearing efficacy and tumor spheroids’ imaging by CLSM was characterized. The obtained results demonstrate that the Clear^T method results in the improved imaging of the spheroids interior, whereas the Clear^T2 resulted in an increased propidium iodide mean fluorescence intensity as well as a higher signal depth in the Z-axis. Additionally, for both methods, the best clearing results were obtained for the spheroids treated under the rotatory agitation. In general, this work provides new insights on the Clear^T and Clear^T2 clearing methodologies and their utilization for improving the reproducibility of the data obtained through the CLSM, such as the analysis of the cell death in response to therapeutics administration.

Development of a fixation-free fluorescence in situ hybridization for the detection of Salmonella species

Salmonella is one of the most important infectious bacteria causing severe gastroenteritis and deaths in humans and animals, and the prompt diagnosis is crucial for effective control and treatment. The detection of Salmonella still depends principally on culture-based methods, which is time-consuming and laborious. Recently, polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) was discovered to have cellular delivery properties and its combination with the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) method was exploited for oligomer delivery and the rapid detection of Salmonella spps in this study. Cell-associated fluorescence was quantified using Volocity® 3-D image analysis software (Volocity 6.3, PerkinElmer, Inc.). PHMB complexed with fluorophore-labelled species-specific oligomers permeabilized freshly grown viable strains of Salmonella cells and mediated strong cell-associated fluorescence signals. This strategy further enabled a fixation-free protocol and hybridization in a single reaction. Using the modified FISH method, monoculture Salmonella strains were validated as well as detected in artificially contaminated water and milk within a turnaround period of 5 h. The method was observed to be comparable with the standard FISH technique (sFISH; P > 0.05). The findings suggest that fixation-free delivery and hybridization of oligomers using PHMB can provide a simplified and prompt strategy for Salmonella detection at the species level, and promote early management responses to the disease and appropriate antimicrobial therapy.

Sensitivity Enhancement of MicroRNA Detection Using a Power-free Microfluidic Chip

We present a microRNA (miRNA) detection method that achieves enhanced sensitivity by means of a power-free microfluidic chip without the requirement of an external power source. The miRNA detection is completed by sandwich hybridization between probe DNAs and target miRNA with small sample volume (0.5 μL) within 20 min. Fluorescence signals after hybridization were amplified by laminar flow-assisted dendritic amplification (LFDA) using fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled streptavidin (F-SA) and biotinylated anti-streptavidin (B-anti-SA) as amplification reagents. To enhance the sensitivity of on-chip miRNA detection, the hybridization buffer solution was newly optimized with three main components-sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), formamide and dextran sulfate-that are known to strongly influence hybridization. An on-chip miRNA detection test in the newly optimized hybridization buffer (0.2% SDS, 5% formamide and 1% dextran sulfate) revealed dramatic increases in both the LFDA signal in the sample channel and the signal-to-background ratio (S/B ratio). Moreover, the LFDA signals in a blank reference channel remained low due to the suppression of non-specific bindings and hybridizations. By changing the hybridization buffer, we obtained an improved limit of detection (LOD) that was 0.045 pM (miRNA-196a) and 0.45 pM (miRNA-331), which are around 30- and 10-fold better than that of when control hybridization buffer was used. The improved performance of our miRNA detection system with short running time and high sensitivity could contribute to future research, including point-of-care diagnostic systems.

A DNA Switch for Detecting Single Nucleotide Polymorphism within a Long DNA Sequence Under Denaturing Conditions

DNA detection is usually conducted under nondenaturing conditions to favor the formation of Watson-Crick base-paring interactions. However, although such a setting is excellent for distinguishing a single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) within short DNA sequences (15-25 nucleotides), it does not offer a good solution to SNP detection within much longer sequences. Here we report on a new detection method capable of detecting SNP in a DNA sequence containing 35-90 nucleotides. This is achieved through incorporating into the recognition DNA sequence a previously discovered DNA molecule that forms a stable G-quadruplex in the presence of 7 molar urea, a known condition for denaturing DNA structures. The systems are configured to produce both colorimetric and fluorescent signals upon target binding.

Visual Detection of Dengue-1 RNA Using Gold Nanoparticle-Based Lateral Flow Biosensor

Dengue is a rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral disease. Early diagnosis is important for clinical screening, medical management, and disease surveillance. The objective of this study was to develop a colorimetric lateral flow biosensor (LFB) for the visual detection of dengue-1 RNA using dextrin-capped gold nanoparticle (AuNP) as label. The detection was based on nucleic acid sandwich-type hybridization among AuNP-labeled DNA reporter probe, dengue-1 target RNA, and dengue-1 specific DNA capture probe immobilized on the nitrocellulose membrane. Positive test generated a red test line on the LFB strip, which enabled visual detection. The optimized biosensor has a cut-off value of 0.01 µM using synthetic dengue-1 target. Proof-of-concept application of the biosensor detected dengue-1 virus in pooled human sera with a cut-off value of 1.2 × 104 pfu/mL. The extracted viral RNA, when coupled with nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), was detected on the LFB in 20 min. This study first demonstrates the applicability of dextrin-capped AuNP as label for lateral flow assay. The biosensor being developed provides a promising diagnostic platform for early detection of dengue infection in high-risk resource-limited areas.

Detection of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator ΔF508 gene mutation using a paper-based nucleic acid hybridization assay and a smartphone camera

Diagnostic technology that makes use of paper platforms in conjunction with the ubiquitous availability of digital cameras in cellular telephones and personal assistive devices offers opportunities for development of bioassays that are cost effective and widely distributed. Assays that operate effectively in aqueous solution require further development for implementation in paper substrates, overcoming issues associated with surface interactions on a matrix that offers a large surface-to-volume ratio and constraints on convective mixing. This report presents and compares two related methods for determination of oligonucleotides that serve as indicators of cystic fibrosis, differentiating between the normal wild-type sequence, and a mutant-type sequence that has a 3-base replacement. The transduction strategy operates by selective hybridization of oligonucleotide probes that are conjugated to fluorescent quantum dots, where hybridization of target sequences causes a molecular fluorophore to approach the quantum dot and become emissive through fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Detection can rely on hybridization of a target that is labelled with Cy3 fluorophore, or in the presence of an unlabelled target when a sandwich assay format is implemented with a labelled reporter oligonucleotide. Selectivity to determine the presence of mismatched sequences involves appropriate selection of nucleotide sequences to set melt temperatures, in conjunction with control of stringency conditions using formamide as a chaotrope. It was determined that both direct and sandwich assays on paper substrates are able to distinguish between wild-type and mutant-type samples.

Analysis of alternative splicing events for cancer diagnosis using a multiplexing nanophotonic biosensor

Personalized medicine is a promising tool not only for prevention, screening and development of more efficient treatment strategies, but also for diminishing the side effects caused by current therapies. Deciphering gene regulation pathways provides a reliable prognostic analysis to elucidate the origin of grave diseases and facilitate the selection of the most adequate treatment for each individual. Alternative splicing of mRNA precursors is one of these gene regulation pathways and enables cells to generate different protein outputs from the same gene depending on their developmental or homeostatic status. Its deregulation is strongly linked to disease onset and progression constituting a relevant and innovative class of biomarker. Herein we report a highly selective and sensitive nanophotonic biosensor based on the direct monitoring of the aberrant alternative splicing of Fas gene. Unlike conventional methods, the nanobiosensor performs a real-time detection of the specific isoforms in the fM-pM range without any cDNA synthesis or PCR amplification requirements. The nanobiosensor has been proven isoform-specific with no crosshybridization, greatly minimizing detection biases. The demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity make our nanobiosensor ideal for examining significant tumor-associated expression shifts of alternatively spliced isoforms for the early and accurate theranostics of cancer.

A nanoparticle-based thermo-dynamic aptasensor for small molecule detection

Small molecules (MW < 1000 Da) represent a large class of biomarkers of interest. Recently, a new class of biosensors has been emerging thanks to the recognition properties of aptamers, short DNA or RNA single strands, selected against such small molecular targets. Among them, an adenosine-specific aptamer has been largely described and used due to its remarkable affinity to this small target (K_D = 6 μM). In this paper, we achieved the proof-of-principle of an aptasensor based on the thermodynamic follow-up of adenosine binding with engineered split-aptamer sequences. The detection is carried out by surface plasmon resonance imaging of split-aptamer micro-arrays, while signal amplification is ensured by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This original approach based on DNA sequence engineering and AuNP conjugation enabled us to reach limits of detection (LOD) 200 times lower than the K_D measured in solution with the native aptamer (LOD = 30 nM).

SPR and SPR Imaging: Recent Trends in Developing Nanodevices for Detection and Real-Time Monitoring of Biomolecular Events

In this paper we review the underlying principles of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique, particularly emphasizing its advantages along with its limitations regarding the ability to discriminate between the specific binding response and the interfering effects from biological samples. While SPR sensors were developed almost three decades, SPR detection is not yet able to reduce the time-consuming steps of the analysis, and is hardly amenable for miniaturized, portable platforms required in point-of-care (POC) testing. Recent advances in near-field optics have emerged, resulting in the development of SPR imaging (SPRi) as a powerful optical, label-free monitoring tool for multiplexed detection and monitoring of biomolecular events. The microarrays design of the SPRi chips incorporating various metallic nanostructures make these optofluidic devices more suitable for diagnosis and near-patient testing than the traditional SPR sensors. The latest developments indicate SPRi detection as being the most promising surface plasmon-based technique fulfilling the demands for implementation in lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technologies.

Quantitative evaluation of alternatively spliced mRNA isoforms by label-free real-time plasmonic sensing

Alternative splicing of mRNA precursors enables cells to generate different protein outputs from the same gene depending on their developmental or homeostatic status. Its deregulation is strongly linked to disease onset and progression. Current methodologies for monitoring alternative splicing demand elaborate procedures and often present difficulties in discerning between closely related isoforms, e.g. due to cross-hybridization during their detection. Herein, we report a general methodology using a Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) biosensor for label-free monitoring of alternative splicing events in real-time, without any cDNA synthesis or PCR amplification requirements. We applied this methodology to RNA isolated from HeLa cells for the quantification of alternatively spliced isoforms of the Fas gene, involved in cancer progression through regulation of programmed cell death. We demonstrate that our methodology is isoform-specific, with virtually no cross-hybridization, achieving limits of detection (LODs) in the picoMolar (pM) range. Similar results were obtained for the detection of the BCL-X gene mRNA isoforms. The results were independently validated by RT-qPCR, with excellent concordance in the determination of isoform ratios. The simplicity and robustness of this biosensor technology can greatly facilitate the exploration of alternative splicing biomarkers in disease diagnosis and therapy.

Photo-attachment of biomolecules for miniaturization on wicking Si-nanowire platform

We demonstrated the surface functionalization of a highly three-dimensional, superhydrophilic wicking substrate using light to immobilize functional biomolecules for sensor or microarray applications. We showed here that the three-dimensional substrate was compatible with photo-attachment and the performance of functionalization was greatly improved due to both increased surface capacity and reduced substrate reflectivity. In addition, photo-attachment circumvents the problems induced by wicking effect that was typically encountered on superhydrophilic three-dimensional substrates, thus reducing the difficulty of producing miniaturized sites on such substrate. We have investigated various aspects of photo-attachment process on the nanowire substrate, including the role of different buffers, the effect of wavelength as well as how changing probe structure may affect the functionalization process. We demonstrated that substrate fabrication and functionalization can be achieved with processes compatible with microelectronics processes, hence reducing the cost of array fabrication. Such functionalization method coupled with the high capacity surface makes the substrate an ideal candidate for sensor or microarray for sensitive detection of target analytes.

DNA hybridization on silicon nanowire platform prepared by glancing angle deposition and metal assisted chemical etching process

Porous nanowire surface provides high capacity for oligonucleotide hybridization.

Evaluation of intermolecular association of glycosaminoglycan oligosaccharides using nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry

This study examines the non-covalent interactions between glycosaminoglycan (GAG) oligosaccharides using nanoelectrospray ionization mass spectrometry (nanoESI-MS). It is the first time that interactions between oligosaccharides have been observed using MS. The importance of interactions between GAGs has recently attracted much interest because they are related to biological functions. For instance, hyaluronic acid (HA) is known to associate with chondroitin sulfates (CSs), although the details of the interaction remain unclear. In general, non-covalent interactions between glycans are too weak to detect by general means. In this work, we applied nanoESI-MS with high sensitivity, which is widely used to observe non-covalent interactions, to investigate the interaction between HA and CSs. HA and CS oligosaccharides are used to discuss the results in a simplified manner. Our approach is aimed at interpreting the behavior of GAG polysaccharides from the information obtained using the oligosaccharides. HA and CS tetrasaccharides were demonstrated to associate to form heterodimer ions that were easily detected using nanoESI-MS. We also determined the stoichiometry of the interaction and calculated the K(d) values of the interactions between HA and CS tetrasaccharides. How these structures affect the strength and stability of the non-covalent complexes is discussed. Further study of the interactions between HA and CS oligosaccharides will clarify the biological meaning of the coexistence of HA and CS in body fluids and tissues.

Optimization of a peptide nucleic acid fluorescence in situ hybridization (PNA-FISH) method for the detection of bacteria and disclosure of a formamide effect

Despite the fact that fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is a well-established technique to identify microorganisms, there is a lack of understanding concerning the interaction of the different factors affecting the obtained fluorescence. In here, we used flow cytometry to study the influence of three essential factors in hybridization - temperature, time and formamide concentration - in an effort to optimize the performance of a Peptide Nucleic Acid (PNA) probe targeting bacteria (EUB338). The PNA-FISH optimization was performed with bacteria representing different families employing response surface methodology. Surprisingly, the optimum concentration of formamide varied according to the bacterium tested. While hybridization on the bacteria possessing the thickest peptidoglycan was more successful at nearly 50% (v/v) formamide, hybridization on all other microorganisms appeared to improve with much lower formamide concentrations. Gram staining and transmission electron microscopy allowed us to confirm that the overall effect of formamide concentration on the fluorescence intensity is a balance between a harmful effect on the bacterial cell envelope, affecting cellular integrity, and the beneficial denaturant effect in the hybridization process. We also conclude that microorganisms belonging to different families will require different hybridization parameters for the same FISH probe, meaning that an optimum universal PNA-FISH procedure is non-existent for these situations.

Photothermal effect for localized desorption of primary lymphocytes arrayed on an antibody/DNA-based biochip

This work proposes a miniaturized system able to perform multiple cell capture followed by cell-type selective release from a biochip surface. Unlabelled lymphocytes were first specifically captured onto a DNA array by antibody-DNA conjugates. The immobilized cells were subsequently released under spatiotemporal control within local heating generated by intense Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) produced by laser illumination.

Physico-chemical foundations underpinning microarray and next-generation sequencing experiments

Hybridization of nucleic acids on solid surfaces is a key process involved in high-throughput technologies such as microarrays and, in some cases, next-generation sequencing (NGS). A physical understanding of the hybridization process helps to determine the accuracy of these technologies. The goal of a widespread research program is to develop reliable transformations between the raw signals reported by the technologies and individual molecular concentrations from an ensemble of nucleic acids. This research has inputs from many areas, from bioinformatics and biostatistics, to theoretical and experimental biochemistry and biophysics, to computer simulations. A group of leading researchers met in Ploen Germany in 2011 to discuss present knowledge and limitations of our physico-chemical understanding of high-throughput nucleic acid technologies. This meeting inspired us to write this summary, which provides an overview of the state-of-the-art approaches based on physico-chemical foundation to modeling of the nucleic acids hybridization process on solid surfaces. In addition, practical application of current knowledge is emphasized.

Surface plasmon resonance sensing of nucleic acids: a review

Biosensors based on surface plasmon resonance (SPR) have become a central tool for the investigation and quantification of biomolecules and their interactions. Nucleic acids (NAs) play a vital role in numerous biological processes and therefore have been one of the major groups of biomolecules targeted by the SPR biosensors. This paper discusses the advances of NA SPR biosensor technology and reviews its applications both in the research of molecular interactions involving NAs (NA-NA, NA-protein, NA-small molecule), as well as for the field of bioanalytics in the areas of food safety, medical diagnosis and environmental monitoring.

Electrochemical measurements of DNA melting on surfaces

Thermal denaturation, or melting, measurements are a classic technique for analysis of thermodynamics of nucleic base driven associations in solution, as well as of interactions between nucleic acids and small molecule ligands such as drugs or carcinogens. Performed on surface-immobilized DNA films, this well-established technique can help understand how energetics of surface hybridization relate to those in solution, as well as provide high-throughput platforms for screening of small molecule ligands. Here we describe methods for measuring DNA melting transitions at solid/liquid interfaces with focus on the role of immobilization chemistry, including a common "immobilization-through-self-assembly" approach that is effective at moderate temperatures, and a thermo-stable approach based on polymer-supported DNA monolayers that can be used at elevated temperatures. We also discuss conditions necessary for reversible measurements, as signified by superimposition of the association (cooling) and dissociation (heating) transitions of immobilized DNA strands.

Real time monitoring of thrombin interactions with its aptamers: insights into the sandwich complex formation

Aptamers are raising an increasing interest for biosensor applications as replacements for antibodies due to their high stability and low cost. Thrombin, a key enzyme in the coagulation cascade, is an archetypical target against which two different aptamers, binding to two different exosites, have been selected. Recent studies dedicated to thrombin monitoring applications of biosensors have taken advantage of a potential sandwich-like structure between thrombin and these two aptamers for amplification purposes. However, in most cases, only end-point analysis was observed as a result of labeling requirements, thus preventing access to the kinetics of the complex formation. By using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) imaging of aptamer-functionalized biosensors, we followed the binding of thrombin on the sensor and its interaction with a second reporter aptamer in real-time and in a label-free manner. Surprisingly, we showed that the injection of a second unlabeled-aptamer following the previous thrombin injection destabilized the thrombin-aptamer complex formed on the sensor surface, thus limiting any further amplification. However, the direct co-injection of thrombin, pre-complexed with a biotinylated aptamer bound to streptavidin efficiently increased the SPR signal by comparison to single thrombin detection. The various injection sequences performed may be rationalized considering a poor selectivity of one of the aptamers towards its exosite and a further negative allosteric effect upon sandwich complexation of the thrombin with its aptamers.

A fluorescent molecular switch for room temperature operation based on oligonucleotide hybridization without labeling of probes or targets

A molecular switch was prepared by self-assembly. Neutravidin served as a template that allowed for a biotinylated probe oligonucleotide to be placed adjacent to a biotinylated long-chain linker that was terminated with thiazole orange (TO). Hybridization of probe oligonucleotide with target to form double-stranded DNA resulted in intercalation of the adjacent TO probe. This was a reversible process that could be tracked by fluorescence intensity changes. Formamide was used as a denaturant for double-stranded DNA, and could be used to depress thermal denaturation temperatures. In this work formamide had a dual function, providing for control of hybridization selectivity at room temperature, while concurrently ameliorating non-specific adsorption to improve signal-to-noise when using thiazole orange as a fluorescence signalling agent to determine oligonucleotide hybridization. Room temperature single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discrimination for oligonucleotide targets was achieved both in solution and for molecular switches that were immobilized onto optical fibers. In solution, a concentration of 18.5% formamide provided greater than 40-fold signal difference between single-stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA, in contrast to only a 2-fold difference in the absence of formamide. Selectivity for SNP determination in solution was demonstrated using targets of varying lengths including a 141-base PCR amplicon. The improved signal-to-noise achieved by use of formamide is likely due to preferential displacement of dye molecules that are otherwise electrostatically bound to the polyanionic nucleic acid backbone.

Target concentration dependence of DNA melting temperature on oligonucleotide microarrays

The design of microarrays is currently based on studies focusing on DNA hybridization reaction in bulk solution. However, the presence of a surface to which the probe strand is attached can make the solution-based approximations invalid, resulting in sub-optimum hybridization conditions. To determine the effect of surfaces on DNA duplex formation, the authors studied the dependence of DNA melting temperature (T(m)) on target concentration. An automated system was developed to capture the melting profiles of a 25-mer perfect-match probe-target pair initially hybridized at 23°C. Target concentrations ranged from 0.0165 to 15 nM with different probe amounts (0.03-0.82 pmol on a surface area of 10(18) Å(2)), a constant probe density (5 × 10(12) molecules/cm(2)) and spacer length (15 dT). The authors found that T(m) for duplexes anchored to a surface is lower than in-solution, and this difference increases with increasing target concentration. In a representative set, a target concentration increase from 0.5 to 15 nM with 0.82 pmol of probe on the surface resulted in a T(m) decrease of 6°C when compared with a 4°C increase in solution. At very low target concentrations, a multi-melting process was observed in low temperature domains of the curves. This was attributed to the presence of truncated or mismatch probes.

Temperature scans/cycles for the detection of low abundant DNA point mutations on microarrays

The possibility to detect low abundant DNA point mutations is essential for early cancer diagnosis and/or prognosis. Furthermore, in order to be less invasive, the somatic mutations are not only sought in tumor extract samples but also from body fluids or stools rendering their content even more diluted compared to the wild type sequences. In this short communication, we propose two protocols based on temperature scans or cycles for the enrichment of the mutation strands hybridized on microarrays. We predict numerically and confirm experimentally a 10-fold increase in the fraction of mutated DNA hybridized on the microarray compared to the sample content. Coupled to more standard solution phase enrichment techniques, it would be possible to lower by one order of magnitude the current detection limit with the advantage of multiple mutation detections offered by the microarray technology.

Strand-specific transcriptome profiling with directly labeled RNA on genomic tiling microarrays

Background

With lower manufacturing cost, high spot density, and flexible probe design, genomic tiling microarrays are ideal for comprehensive transcriptome studies. Typically, transcriptome profiling using microarrays involves reverse transcription, which converts RNA to cDNA. The cDNA is then labeled and hybridized to the probes on the arrays, thus the RNA signals are detected indirectly. Reverse transcription is known to generate artifactual cDNA, in particular the synthesis of second-strand cDNA, leading to false discovery of antisense RNA. To address this issue, we have developed an effective method using RNA that is directly labeled, thus by-passing the cDNA generation. This paper describes this method and its application to the mapping of transcriptome profiles.

Results

RNA extracted from laboratory cultures of Porphyromonas gingivalis was fluorescently labeled with an alkylation reagent and hybridized directly to probes on genomic tiling microarrays specifically designed for this periodontal pathogen. The generated transcriptome profile was strand-specific and produced signals close to background level in most antisense regions of the genome. In contrast, high levels of signal were detected in the antisense regions when the hybridization was done with cDNA. Five antisense areas were tested with independent strand-specific RT-PCR and none to negligible amplification was detected, indicating that the strong antisense cDNA signals were experimental artifacts.

Conclusions

An efficient method was developed for mapping transcriptome profiles specific to both coding strands of a bacterial genome. This method chemically labels and uses extracted RNA directly in microarray hybridization. The generated transcriptome profile was free of cDNA artifactual signals. In addition, this method requires fewer processing steps and is potentially more sensitive in detecting small amount of RNA compared to conventional end-labeling methods due to the incorporation of more fluorescent molecules per RNA fragment.

Salt concentration effects on equilibrium melting curves from DNA microarrays

DNA microarrays find applications in an increasing number of domains where more quantitative results are required. DNA being a charged polymer, the repulsive interactions between the surface of the microarray and the targets in solution are increasing upon hybridization. Such electrostatic penalty is generally reduced by increasing the salt concentration. In this article, we present equilibrium-melting curves obtained from dedicated physicochemical experiments on DNA microarrays in order to get a better understanding of the electrostatic penalty incurred during the hybridization reaction at the surface. Various salt concentrations have been considered and deviations from the commonly used Langmuir adsorption model are experimentally quantified for the first time in agreement with theoretical predictions.

Surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi)-based sensing: a new approach in signal sampling and management

Surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) is at the forefront of optical sensing, allowing real-time and label free simultaneous multi-analyte measurements. It represents an interesting technology for studying a broad variety of affinity interactions with impact in chemistry, both in fundamental and applied research. Signal sampling and management is a key step in SPRi measurements to achieve successful performances. This work aims to develop a strategy for selecting the sensing areas, called Regions of Interest (ROIs), to be sampled for recording SPRi signals that could results in improved sensor performances. The approach has been evaluated using antigen-antibody interaction: anti-human IgGs are immobilized on the chip surface in an array format, while the specific ligand (hIgG antigen) is in solution. This approach has general applicability and demonstrates that rational selection of sensitive areas and standard management of SPRi data has dramatic impact on sensor behaviour. The criteria of the method are: (a) creation of high density maps of ROIs, (b) evaluation of the SPRi binding signals on all the ROIs during a pre-analysis step, (c) 3D elaboration of the results, and (d) ranking of the ROIs for their final selection in further biosensor analysis. Using standard solution of antigen, three different ROIs selection approaches have been compared for their analytical performances. The proposed innovative method results to be the best one for SPRi-based sensing applications.