Envision a future where your own cells can alert doctors to early signs of disease or exposure to environmental toxins—all by using the natural molecules already inside them. This is no longer just science fiction. Researchers at Rutgers University are transforming this vision into reality by converting RNA, a fundamental molecule present in every cell, into an ultra-sensitive biosensor capable of detecting minute chemical signals that impact human health.
Harnessing RNA's Power for Chemical Sensing
Assistant Professor Enver Cagri Izgu and his team have developed a groundbreaking approach to use RNA within cells to detect fleeting, physiologically crucial inorganic chemicals like hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen peroxide. These chemicals are key players in cellular processes and are often tied to diseases such as cancer and neurological or cardiovascular conditions.
This innovative process builds on RNA's unique capacity, first discovered in 2011, to bind with small molecules and emit light. The Rutgers team has adapted this discovery to engineer RNA sequences that act as chemical sensors inside living bacterial cells. By designing specific interactions among chemicals, receptor molecules, and RNA, they set off a chain reaction in Escherichia coli (E. coli) cells that produces a detectable light signal whenever the target chemical is present.
Inside the Living Biosensor
- Chemical Targeting: It starts with a target chemical, such as hydrogen sulfide, reacting with a custom-designed receptor molecule within the cell.
- Signal Generation: This reaction modifies the receptor, allowing it to bind to a specially engineered RNA sequence.
- Light Emission: Once bound, the RNA emits light at a specific wavelength, signaling the presence of the chemical.
What sets this method apart is that, naturally, RNA does not directly interact with these types of inorganic chemicals. The technology introduces a novel way for cells to "report" on their internal chemical environment, sidestepping the complexity of conventional genetic circuits often used in biosensing.
Transformative Applications for Health and the Environment
The potential applications for this technology are extensive. Imagine personalized biosensors made from a patient's own cells, engineered to detect specific disease indicators or environmental toxins, and then safely reintroduced into the body. This could provide real-time, continuous health monitoring without the risk of immune rejection.
Rutgers researchers have already demonstrated this sensing ability in bacterial cells, detecting subtle chemical changes that often serve as early warning signs for disease. The long-term objective is to adapt these techniques for human cells, which could revolutionize early diagnostics for cancer, cardiovascular, and neurological conditions.
Teamwork and Innovation at Rutgers
This scientific advancement results from close collaboration among current and former Rutgers scientists, including doctoral students and postdoctoral associates. Recognizing its innovative and commercial potential, Rutgers University has filed a patent application for this biosensing technique, with Izgu and co-author Tushar Aggarwal listed as co-inventors.
A New Era of Smart Healthcare
The development of RNA-based biosensors is a major leap forward for both environmental monitoring and disease detection. By leveraging the natural molecules within our cells, scientists are paving the way for earlier diagnosis, personalized medicine, and proactive health management. The promise of living, communicating sensor cells could change how we monitor and respond to health risks, ushering in a new era of smarter, more responsive healthcare.
Source: Rutgers University (https://www.rutgers.edu/news/scientists-develop-process-using-molecules-cell-identify-environmental-signals)
Rutgers Scientists Are Turning Living Cells into Smart Biosensors