Label-free and amplified detection of apoptosis-associated caspase activity using branched rolling circle amplification

Abstract

We develop a label-free fluorescence method for ultrasensitive detection of apoptosis-associated caspase activity based on branched rolling circle amplification. This work demonstrates for the first time the use of a nucleic acid amplification strategy for the amplified detection of caspase activity, which allows for highly sensitive detection of endogenous caspase even at the single-cell level. This method can be further applied for kinetic analysis and inhibitor screening.