ERA NanoSci - Molecular Machines that use structured DNA for directed movement

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We propose to develop a dynamic nanotool for use in drug discovery. This nanotool is based around a nanoactuator that uses a biological molecular motor to manipulate DNA and attached objects, in this case a magnetic bead. An electronic sensing system, based on MagnetoResistive (MR) devices will detect motion of the magnetic bead and output an electronic signal. Both the DNA and the motors can be targets for drugs, which means the device can be used in screening drug-target interactions. The major advantage this system offers is single molecule detection and reporting of events, which will improve sensitivity to limits that are possible. The concept will be expanded by making novel use of branched and hairpin structures to provide information about position of binding of DNA-binding proteins, which will allow us to identify drugs targeted at non-motor DNA-binding proteins such as transcription factors.