Integration of single-molecule detection with endonuclease IV-assisted signal amplification for sensitive DNA methylation assay.

We demonstrate the development of a new fluorescent biosensor for sensitive DNA methylation assay by integrating single-molecule detection with endo IV-assisted signal amplification. This biosensor possesses the characteristics of good selectivity and high sensitivity with a detection limit of 7.3 × 10−17 M. It can distinguish as low as 0.01% methylation level, and can analyze genomic DNA methylation even in a single cancer cell.