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

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 (<i>P</i> < 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.

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Publication Details

Journal
Science Advances
Published
2026-02-25
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aeb5612
Primary Topic
Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
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article

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

Shuyang Zhang, Fangfei Yin, Chunhai Fan, Lihua Wang et al.
Science Advances
Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques
article

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

Shuyang Zhang, Fangfei Yin, Chunhai Fan, Lihua Wang, Kai Xia, Xiaolei Zuo
article en

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 (<i>P</i> < 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.

Science AdvancesVol. 12(9)
Shanghai University (CN), Shanghai Jiao Tong University (CN), Renji Hospital (CN), Shanghai Innovative Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CN)
Peace, Justice and strong institutions
Openalex Percentile: Top 43%
Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques
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