Gold Nanoprobe-Based Detection of Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT) Gene Expression

Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT) gene is expressed in all types of cancers, and it is considered as unique biomarker for early detection, monitoring and prognosis of different cancers. Routinely, the main techniques for detection of hTERT gene expression are based on enzymatic amplifications which need specified equipments, expert personnel and high cost and time. With regarding to the clinical importance of analysis of hTERT gene expression, we have developed a rapid, simple and low cost method which detects hTERT RNA target in 5 μl reaction scale using gold nanoprobes. The method is based on the inhibition of nanoparticle aggregation in the presence of MgCl 2 and it can be used as a basic technique for development of clinical scale gold nanoprobe nanobiodiagnostics for detection of hTERT gene expression with a limit of detection at fmol/μl concentrations.