Pyrococcus furiosus Argonaute-mediated nucleic acid detection

We demonstrate that short single-stranded DNA generated by Pyrococcus furiosus Argonaute (PfAgo) can initiate a second round of cleavage. Based on this principle, we established a molecular diagnostic method, termed PfAgo-mediated Nucleic acid Detection (PAND). This method could detect DNA at attomolar sensitivities, distinguish single-nucleotide mutants and accomplish multiplexed detection.