Single-Molecule Fluorescence Imaging for Ultrasensitive DNA Methyltransferase Activity Measurement and Inhibitor Screening

Aberrant DNA methylation by DNA methyltransferases (MTase) is related to the initiation and progression of many diseases. Thus, site-specific identification of DNA methylation and detection of MTase activity are very important to diagnose and treat methylation-related diseases. Herein, a single-molecule counting based ultrasensitive assay was developed for facile and direct detection of MTase activity and inhibitor screening without the assistance of restriction endonuclease. A double-strand DNA (dsDNA) was designed with the recognition site of M. Sss I MTase and assembled on the coverslip surface. After the dsDNA was methylated by M. Sss I, the biotin conjugated anti-5-methylcytosine antibody (5mC Ab) would specifically bind the CpG methylation site, and subsequently, the streptavidin-labeled quantum dots (QS585) bind the biotins. By taking and counting the image spots of fluorescently labeled methylated dsDNA molecules, the single-molecule imaging of methylated dsDNA molecules was recorded to quantify the DNA MTase activity. The spot number shows a linear relation with the logarithm of M. Sss I concentration in the concentration range of 0.001–1 U/mL. Compared with most of the state of the art methods, the proposed assay displays a lower detection limit of 0.0005 U/mL and can detect the DNA MTase more directly. Moreover, it can selectively detect M. Sss I in more complex samples. In addition, it is further demonstrated that the protocol could be successfully applied to evaluate the inhibition efficiency of M. Sss I inhibitors. This assay is anticipated to provide a new approach for clinical diagnosis of methylation-related diseases and screening of new anticancer drugs.