Enzymatic activity by dsDNA-based microarray
A new double strand (ds) DNA microarray-based fluorescence assay has been developed to measure the activity of endonuclease enzymes.
Given their ability to cleave DNA, endonucleases are known as “molecular scalpels”and they play a crucial role in DNA recombination, replication and repair. They have been used in the laboratory for PCR assays, gene mapping, medicinal chemistry and are also considered important targets for antimicrobial and antiviral drugs.
Zhenxin Wang and colleagues from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, developed a dsDNA microarray by hybridizing Cy5-labeled oligonucleotides with immobilized complementary oligonucleotide probes on glass slides. In this microarray, when endonucleases “cut” the DNA backbone, the fluorescence is reduced. The researchers demonstrated that more than one enzyme can be detected simultaneously and also detected the activity of specific enzyme inhibitors commonly used.
According to this research, dsDNA microarrays will soon be used for drug discovery and screening of DNA inhibitors.
To know more about this research, this article is free to read until January 24th. Click on the link below:
Microarray-based fluorescence assay of endonuclease functionality and inhibition
Lan Ma , Min Su , Tao Li and Zhenxin Wang
Analyst, 2013, Advance Article
DOI: 10.1039/C2AN36638J
