FOF1-ATP synthase molecular motor biosensor for miRNA detection of colon cancer

Aims To establish a F O F1-ATP synthase molecular motor biosensor to accurately identify colon cancer miRNAs. Main methods The F O F1-ATP synthase molecular motor is extracted by fragmentation–centrifugation and connected to the colon cancer-specific miR-17 capture probe in the manner of the ε subunit-biotin-streptavidin-biotin system. Signal probes are designed for dual-signal characterization to increase detection accuracy. The F O F1-ATPase rotation rate decreases when the signaling and capture probes are combined with the target miRNA, resulting in a decrease in ATP synthesis. miR-17 concentrations are determined by changes in ATP-mediated chemiluminescence intensity and signal probe-mediated OD 450nm . Key findings The chemiluminescence intensity and OD 450nm show a good linear relationship with the miR-17 concentration in the range of 5 to 200 nmol L −1 (R 2  = 0.9985, 0.9989). The colon cancer mouse model is established for the blood samples, and miR-17 in serum and RNA extracts is quantitatively determined using the constructed sensor. Significance The results are consistent with colon cancer progression, and the low concentration of miR-17 detecting accuracy is comparable to the PCR assay. In conclusion, the developed method is a direct, rapid, and promising method for miRNA detection of colon cancer.