Mass Nanotags Mediate Parallel Amplifications on Nanointerfaces for Multiplexed Profiling of RNAs

Multiplexed profiling of RNAs aids in a compre-hensive understanding of multiparameter-defined cellular processes and pathological states. We herein present a mass nanotags-enabled interfacial assembly system (MNTs-AS) with parallel amplification motors for simultaneous assaying of multiple RNAs in biosystems by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS). Four kinds of MNTs encoding corresponding RNA can be cyclically assembled on magnetic beads by target-triggered catalytic hairpin assembly (CHA) machineries on nanointerfaces, generating multiplexed and amplified character-istic ion signals assigned to target RNAs upon MALDI MS interrogation. By virtue of high sensitivity and multiplexing capability, the MNTs-AS-based MS assay allows precision subtyping of diverse breast cancer cells and their exosomes by multiplexed profiling of miRNA-21, miRNA-373, miRNA-155, and manganese superoxide dismutase mRNA via a single MS inquiry. This method provides a promising tool for unraveling multiple RNA-involved biological events in fundamental research and distinguishing different cancer subtypes in clinical practice.

Automated summary

In this study, a mass nanotags-enabled interfacial assembly system (MNTs-AS) was developed for multiplexed profiling of RNAs. This system allows simultaneous detection of multiple RNAs in biosystems using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI MS). The MNTs-AS-based MS assay shows high sensitivity and multiplexing capability, making it a promising tool for studying biological events and distinguishing cancer subtypes.