JNCASR Team Innovates New Technology for Early HIV Detection
New Delhi: Researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology, have created an innovative diagnostic technology to improve the early and precise detection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the retrovirus responsible for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
The newly developed platform, known as GQ Topology-Targeted Reliable Conformational Polymorphism (GQ-RCP), leverages a distinctive DNA structure called G-Quadruplex (GQ) for detecting the HIV genome through a fluorometric test. Originally designed for identifying pathogens like SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, the GQ-RCP platform can be integrated into existing nucleic acid-based diagnostic systems to enhance detection accuracy.
One of the major advantages of the GQ-RCP platform is its ability to minimize false positives, a significant challenge in current HIV diagnostics due to cross-reactivity. HIV-1 remains a global health concern, with commonly used tests often failing to detect early infections and suffering from limited sensitivity and lengthy processing times. The GQ-RCP technology addresses these limitations, ensuring greater reliability in diagnostics.
The JNCASR team developed this technology by targeting HIV-derived GQ DNA using a reverse transcription method and amplifying a 176-nucleotide genomic segment. They demonstrated a simple, single-step transition of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) into the GQ structure under pH-controlled conditions. This structure was then detected with high specificity using a fluorescent probe, TGS64, based on benzobisthiazole.
Unlike conventional diagnostic assays that rely on pre-existing detection principles, the GQ-RCP platform introduces a novel mechanism of nucleic acid-small molecule interaction. This advancement, detailed in the journal Analytical Chemistry, paves the way for a more dependable diagnostic system for HIV and other DNA/RNA-based pathogens.
The researchers highlighted that the GQ-RCP platform has the potential for broader applications, including the detection of bacteria and viruses. This adaptability makes it a promising tool for tackling a wide range of infectious diseases.
The technology offers significant improvements in diagnostic reliability and efficiency, making it a practical solution for early detection and reducing the burden of false positives in HIV testing. With its groundbreaking approach, the GQ-RCP platform could transform diagnostic methodologies for HIV and other pathogens.
Nidhi Srivastava is a dietician. She holds a post-graduate degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from MRIIRS. With a profound passion for utilizing nutrition and lifestyle modifications to manage diseases, she is dedicated to advancing the field through rigorous research and fact-checking. Her expertise lies in evidence-based practice, ensuring the highest standards of dietary health and wellness.