@article{IdaChanGloekleretal.2019, author = {Ida, Jeunice and Chan, Soo Khim and Gl{\"o}kler, J{\"o}rn and Lim, Yee Ying and Choong, Yee Siew and Lim, Theam Soon}, title = {G-Quadruplexes as An Alternative Recognition Element in Disease-Related Target Sensing}, series = {Molecules}, volume = {24}, journal = {Molecules}, number = {6}, issn = {1420-3049}, doi = {10.3390/molecules24061079}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:526-opus4-11438}, year = {2019}, abstract = {G-quadruplexes are made up of guanine-rich RNA and DNA sequences capable of forming noncanonical nucleic acid secondary structures. The base-specific sterical configuration of G-quadruplexes allows the stacked G-tetrads to bind certain planar molecules like hemin (iron (III)-protoporphyrin IX) to regulate enzymatic-like functions such as peroxidase-mimicking activity, hence the use of the term DNAzyme/RNAzyme. This ability has been widely touted as a suitable substitute to conventional enzymatic reporter systems in diagnostics. This review will provide a brief overview of the G-quadruplex architecture as well as the many forms of reporter systems ranging from absorbance to luminescence readouts in various platforms. Furthermore, some challenges and improvements that have been introduced to improve the application of G-quadruplex in diagnostics will be highlighted. As the field of diagnostics has evolved to apply different detection systems, the need for alternative reporter systems such as G-quadruplexes is also paramount.}, language = {en} } @article{GloeklerLimIdaetal.2021, author = {Gl{\"o}kler, J{\"o}rn and Lim, Theam Soon and Ida, Jeunice and Frohme, Marcus}, title = {Isothermal amplifications - a comprehensive review on current methods}, series = {Critical Reviews in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology}, journal = {Critical Reviews in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology}, publisher = {Taylor \& Francis}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:526-opus4-15154}, pages = {1 -- 44}, year = {2021}, abstract = {AbstractThe introduction of nucleic acid amplification techniques has revolutionized the field of medical diagnostics in the last decade. The advent of PCR catalyzed the increasing application of DNA, not just for molecular cloning but also for molecular based diagnostics. Since the introduction of PCR, a deeper understanding of molecular mechanisms and enzymes involved in DNA/RNA replication has spurred the development of novel methods devoid of temperature cycling. Isothermal amplification methods have since been introduced utilizing different mechanisms, enzymes, and conditions. The ease with which isothermal amplification methods have allowed nucleic acid amplification to be carried out has had a profound impact on the way molecular diagnostics are being designed after the turn of the millennium. With all the advantages isothermal amplification brings, the issues or complications surrounding each method are heterogeneous making it difficult to identify the best approach for an end-user. This review pays special attention to the various isothermal amplification methods by classifying them based on the mechanistic characteristics which include reaction formats, amplification information, promoter, strand break, and refolding mechanisms. We would also compare the efficiencies and usefulness of each method while highlighting the potential applications and detection methods involved. This review will serve as an overall outlook on the journey and development of isothermal amplification methods as a whole.}, language = {en} } @article{FischbachLohBieretal.2017, author = {Fischbach, Jens and Loh, Qiuting and Bier, Frank Fabian and Lim, Theam Soon and Frohme, Marcus and Gl{\"o}kler, J{\"o}rn}, title = {Alizarin Red S for Online Pyrophosphate Detection Identified by a Rapid Screening Method}, series = {Scientific Reports}, volume = {7}, journal = {Scientific Reports}, issn = {2045-2322}, doi = {10.1038/srep45085}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:526-opus4-9248}, year = {2017}, abstract = {We identified Alizarin Red S and other well known fluorescent dyes useful for the online detection of pyrophosphate in enzymatic assays, including the loop mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays. An iterative screening was used for a selected set of compounds to first secure enzyme compatibility, evaluate inorganic pyrophosphate sensitivity in the presence of manganese as quencher and optimize conditions for an online detection. Of the selected dyes, the inexpensive alizarin red S was found to selectively detect pyrophosphate under LAMP and PCR conditions and is superior with respect to its defined red-shifted spectrum, long shelf life and low toxicity. In addition, the newly identified properties may also be useful in other enzymatic assays which do not generate nucleic acids but are based on inorganic pyrophosphate. Finally, we propose that our screening method may provide a blueprint for rapid screening of compounds for detecting inorganic pyrophosphate.}, language = {en} } @article{OmarLohTyeetal.2013, author = {Omar, Noorsharmimi and Loh, Qiuting and Tye, Gee Jun and Choong, Yee Siew and Noordin, Rahmah and Gl{\"o}kler, J{\"o}rn and Lim, Theam Soon}, title = {Development of an Antigen-DNAzyme Based Probe for a Direct Antibody-Antigen Assay Using the Intrinsic DNAzyme Activity of a Daunomycin Aptamer}, series = {Sensors}, volume = {14}, journal = {Sensors}, number = {1}, issn = {1424-8220}, doi = {10.3390/s140100346}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:526-opus4-6267}, pages = {346 -- 355}, year = {2013}, abstract = {G-Quadruplex (G-4) structures are formed when G-rich DNA sequences fold into intra- or intermolecular four-stranded structures in the presence of metal ions. G-4-hemin complexes are often effective peroxidase-mimicking DNAzymes that are applied in many detection systems. This work reports the application of a G-rich daunomycin-specific aptamer for the development of an antibody-antigen detection assay. We investigated the ability of the daunomycin aptamer to efficiently catalyze the hemin-dependent peroxidase activity independent of daunomycin. A reporter probe consisting of biotinylated antigen and daunomycin aptamer coupled to streptavidin gold nanoparticles was successfully used to generate a colorimetric readout. In conclusion, the daunomycin aptamer can function as a robust alternative DNAzyme for the development of colorimetric assays.}, language = {en} }