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.
Authors
- Shuyang Zhang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-9758-5861)
- Fangfei Yin (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7203-5518)
- Chunhai Fan
- Lihua Wang (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0002-0140-4085)
- Kai Xia
- Xiaolei Zuo
Institutions
- Shanghai University (CN)
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University (CN)
- Renji Hospital (CN)
- Shanghai Innovative Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CN)
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
- 0.00