SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA detection using the novel CoVradar device associated with the CoVreader smartphone app.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for innovative approaches to its diagnosis. Here we present CoVradar, a novel and simple colorimetric method that combines nucleic acid analysis with dynamic chemical labeling (DCL) technology and the Spin-Tube device to detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in saliva samples. The assay includes a fragmentation step to increase the number of RNA templates for analysis, using abasic peptide nucleic acid probes (DGL probes) immobilized to nylon membranes in a specific dot pattern to capture RNA fragments.

Isogenic GAA-KO Murine Muscle Cell Lines Mimicking Severe Pompe Mutations as Preclinical Models for the Screening of Potential Gene Therapy Strategies.

Pompe disease (PD) is a rare disorder caused by mutations in the acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) gene. Most gene therapies (GT) partially rely on the cross-correction of unmodified cells through the uptake of the GAA enzyme secreted by corrected cells. In the present study, we generated isogenic murine GAA-KO cell lines resembling severe mutations from Pompe patients.

Development of Cellular Models to Study Efficiency and Safety of Gene Edition by Homologous Directed Recombination Using the CRISPR/Cas9 System.

In spite of the enormous potential of CRISPR/Cas in basic and applied science, the levels of undesired genomic modifications cells still remain mostly unknown and controversial. Nowadays, the efficiency and specificity of the cuts generated by CRISPR/Cas is the main concern. However, there are also other potential drawbacks when DNA donors are used for gene repair or gene knock-ins.

Characterization and Therapeutic Effect of a pH Stimuli Responsive Polymeric Nanoformulation for Controlled Drug Release.

Despite the large number of polymeric nanodelivery systems that have been recently developed, there is still room for improvement in terms of therapeutic efficiency. Most reported nanodevices for controlled release are based on drug encapsulation, which can lead to undesired drug leakage with a consequent reduction in efficacy and an increase in systemic toxicity. Herein, we present a strategy for covalent drug conjugation to the nanodevice to overcome this drawback.

A colorimetric strategy based on dynamic chemistry for direct detection of Trypanosomatid species.

Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease are endemic in many countries, and re-emerging in the developed countries. A rapid and accurate diagnosis is important for early treatment for reducing the duration of infection as well as for preventing further potential health complications. In this work, we have developed a novel colorimetric molecular assay that integrates nucleic acid analysis by dynamic chemistry (ChemNAT) with reverse dot-blot hybridization in an array format for a rapid and easy discrimination of Leishmania major and Trypanosoma cruzi.

Identification of Trypanosomatids by detecting Single Nucleotide Fingerprints using DNA analysis by dynamic chemistry with MALDI-ToF.

Protozoan parasites of the Trypanosomatidae family can cause devastating diseases in humans and animals, such as Human African Trypanosomiasis or Sleeping Sickness, Chagas disease and Leishmaniasis. Currently, there are molecular assays for detecting parasitic infections and their post-treatment monitoring based on nucleic acid amplification, but there are still certain limitations which limit the development of assays that can detect and discriminate between parasite infections with a single test. Here, we present the development of a novel molecular assay for the rapid identification of Trypanosomatids, integrating DNA analysis by dynamic chemistry in conjunction with Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization - Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-ToF).

Novel bead-based platform for direct detection of unlabelled nucleic acids through Single Nucleobase Labelling.

Over the last decade, circulating microRNAs have received attention as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In particular, microRNA122 has been demonstrated to be an early and more sensitive indicator of drug-induced liver injury than the widely used biomarkers such as alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase. Recently, microRNA122 has been used in vitro to assess the cellular toxicity of new drugs and as a biomarker for the development of a rapid test for drug overdose/liver damage.