This research introduces a DNA nanomachine (DNM) to improve specificity in detecting Testicular Germ Cell Tumors (TGCTs) using the biomarker miR-371. Current PCR methods struggle with false positives due to miR-371's similarity to other microRNAs. The DNM, designed with mismatches to non-target sequences, achieves high selectivity, detecting miR-371 at 1.9 pM. Tested on synthetic and clinical samples, it showed 68.2% accuracy in distinguishing TGCT subtypes. This cost-effective, amplification-free tool enhances diagnostic precision, offering a promising alternative for early TGCT detection.

Альажи М., Мустафа А. (науч. рук. Эльдиб А.А.) Selective detection of mir-371 for testicular germ cell tumor diagnosis using a dna nanomachine // Сборник тезисов докладов конгресса молодых ученых. Электронное издание. – СПб: Университет ИТМО, [2025]. URL: https://kmu.itmo.ru/digests/article/14753