Dual-Amplification CRISPR Biosensor for Ultrasensitive miRNA Detection: A Powerful Tool for Cancer and Immune Monitoring

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are pivotal regulators of gene expression and emerging biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and inflammation monitoring. Sensitive and specific detection methods for miRNAs are crucial for advancing their clinical and research applications. In this study, we present a CRISPR-based biosensor driven by a dual-circle amplification cascade. This system combines rolling circle amplification (RCA) for initial signal amplification and a secondary amplification cycle within the RCA products, enabling precise miRNA expression detection across different cell types. The method is highly sensitive and specific and requires minimal sample input. Using miRNA-221 as a model, the system demonstrated a linear detection range from 15 fM to 1 nM and a detection limit of 1.35 fM. It also effectively differentiated miRNA expression profiles across various cell types, supporting cell classification based on miRNA signatures. Furthermore, the platform's versatility was confirmed with miRNA-155, highlighting its ability to monitor miRNA expression changes in macrophages upon immune stimulation. The system's modular design allows easy adaptation to other miRNA targets, making it a robust tool for miRNA research. This biosensor provides a powerful approach for miRNA profiling in complex biological samples, offering valuable insights into cancer and inflammation with potential for clinical diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring.