Collapse of DNA Tetrahedron Nanostructure for “Off–On” Fluorescence Detection of DNA Methyltransferase Activity

As a potential detection technique, highly rigid and versatile functionality of DNA tetrahedron nanostructures is often used in biosensing systems. In this work, a novel multifunctional nanostructure has been developed as an “off–on” fluorescent probe for detection of target methyltransferase by integrating the elements of DNA tetrahedron, target recognition, and dual-labeled reporter. This sensing system is initially in an “OFF” state owing to the close proximity of fluorophores and quenchers. After the substrate is recognized by target methyltransferase, the DNA tetrahedron can be methylated to produce methylated DNA sites. These sites can be recognized and cut by the restriction endonuclease Dpn I to bring about the collapse of the DNA tetrahedron, which leads to the separation of the dual-labeled reporters from the quenchers, and thus the recovery of fluorescence signal to produce an “ON” state. The proposed DNA tetrahedron-based sensing method can detect Dam methyltransferase in the range of 0.1–90 U mL –1 with a detection limit of 0.045 U mL –1 and shows good specificity and reproducibility for detection of Dam methyltransferase in a real sample. It has been successfully applied for screening various methylation inhibitors. Thus, this work possesses a promising prospect for detection of DNA methyltransfrase in the field of clinical diagnostics.