Work

Detecting Chemically Modified DNA Bases Using Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy

Year: 2011

Type: article

Abstract: Post-translational modifications of DNA- changes in the chemical structure of individual bases that occur without changes in the DNA sequence- are known to alter gene expression. They are believed to result in frequently deleterious phenotypic changes, such as cancer. Methylation of adenine, methylation and hydroxymethylation of cytosine, and guanine oxidation are the primary DNA base modifications identified to date. Here we show it is possible to use surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to detect these primary DNA base modifications. SERS detection of modified DNA bases is label-free and requires minimal additional sample preparation, reducing the possibility of additional chemical modifications induced prior to measurement. This approach shows the feasibility of DNA base modification assessment as a potentially routine analysis that may be further developed for clinical diagnostics.

Source: The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters

DOI: 10.1021/jz201423b

Authors: Aoune Barhoumi, Naomi J. Halas

Institution: Rice University

Language: English

Topic: Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Synthesis and Applications

Subfield: Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Cancer Institute

Awards: Preclinical platform for theranostic nanoparticles in pancreatic cancer, Molecularly guided multimodal theranostics for breast cancer