Kidney-clearable CRISPR sensor detecting mitochondrial DNA mutations to noninvasively track tumor growth and spread

CasUber enables the detection of tumor lesions as small as 1 cubic millimeter through a urine test.

• A CRISPR/Cas12a-based urinary biomarker was developed for monitoring tumor progression and metastasis.
• This system can recognize specific mutations in mitochondrial DNA associated with tumors.
• CasUber converts tumor-specific mtDNA mutations into fluorescent signals that can be excreted through urine.
• It allows for earlier detection of lung tumor nodules compared to traditional bioluminescence imaging.
• The method addresses the challenge of low sensitivity in liquid biopsies by amplifying signals from scarce mtDNA.

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