DNA Dual-Color Probes for Real-Time Monitoring of p21 mRNA and Bax mRNA during Apoptosis in Breast Cancer Cells

Monitoring apoptosis in breast cancer cells is crucial for understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying breast cancer and evaluating the therapeutic effects of anticancer drugs. Real-time monitoring of p21 mRNA and Bax mRNA during apoptosis offers a valuable tool for assessing drug efficacy. Tetrahedral DNA frameworks (TDFs) are known for their ease of synthesis and multiple signal outputs. Leveraging these properties, this study developed DNA dual-color probes (DDCPs) for the real-time monitoring of apoptosis in breast cancer cells. In the presence of p21 and Bax mRNA, strand displacement reactions within the DDCPs restore Cy5 and FAM fluorescence signals, respectively. This strategy is consistent with the results of RT-qPCR studies. Moreover, the DDCPs allow for the specific investigation of apoptotic pathways in breast cancer cells influenced by different drugs by using distinct fluorescent signals for pathway differentiation. This method holds promise as a powerful tool for investigating apoptotic mechanisms in breast cancer cells, uncovering associated signaling pathways, and screening potential therapeutic drugs.