Transcriptionally amplified synthesis of fluorogenic RNA aptamers for label-free DNA glycosylase assay

Abstract

We demonstrate for the first time the utilization of fluorogenic RNA aptamers for label-free uracil-DNA glycosylase (UDG) assay. Through rationally engineering the transcription machine with dU substitution, this assay requires only a single probe to simultaneously sense and amplify the UDG signal, achieving a low detection limit of 6.3 × 10⁻⁶ U mL⁻¹. Moreover, it can be applied for screening UDG inhibitors and measuring endogenous UDG activity in different cells.