Application of a Y-type-DNA-functionalized nanogold probe featuring specific telomerase recognition and doxorubicin release in cancer cells

Abstract

A Y-type-DNA-functionalized nanogold probe was synthesized to identify telomerase and trigger drug release in cancer cells. This system involved a DNA-functionalized nanogold probe centered on gold nanoparticles with a dense modification of Y-type DNA molecular beacons on the surface. The Y-type DNA molecular beacons consisted of telomerase primers (TPs), a FAM-labeled single-strand DNA (Mismatch-DNA), and a single-strand DNA of two templates (Linker-DNA1 and Linker-DNA2). Doxorubicin (Dox), an anti-cancer drug molecule, was inserted into DNA double strands. When telomerase existed, TP was extended and the Mismatch-DNA was released, leading to the emission of fluorescent light from FAM while releasing Dox. This probe specifically detected cancer cells and did not affect normal cells. This drug delivery system will reduce the tumour size and cause minimal injury to normal tissues.