DNA framework–based molecular transformer for logic-driven precision diagnostics

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Authors: Shuyang Zhang, Kai Xia, Lihua Wang, Chunhai Fan, Fangfei Yin, Xiaolei Zuo
Cited by: 1
References: 33

Abstract

Precision diagnostics requires logical integration of diverse biomarker information, but molecular heterogeneity and inconsistent identification kinetics hinder robust logic analysis. To overcome this, we develop a universal molecular transformer using DNA tetrahedral frameworks (DTFs) as programmable scaffolds. This system converts diverse biomarkers including proteins and variable-length nucleic acids into uniform 22-nucleotide DNA sequences, normalizing information dimensionality and identification kinetics. These uniform sequences serve as inputs for three fundamentals Boolean logic gates (AND, OR, and INHIBIT), enabling programmable molecular decision-making. Integrated on a gold-chip platform, the DTF transformer and logic system achieved statistically significant discrimination ( P < 0.0001) among patients with prostate cancer, patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia, and healthy individuals using only two biomarkers (prostate-specific antigen and ALU115). By unifying signal transformation for Boolean logic computation, we resolve the critical challenges in molecular heterogeneity and establish a versatile platform for next-generation precision diagnostics.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques DNA and Biological Computing Fractal and DNA sequence analysis

Publication details

Journal / source
Science Advances
Publisher
American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Volume
12
Issue
9
Pages
eaeb5612–eaeb5612
Publication date
25 February 2026
Language
EN