A self-activating CRISPR system controlled by molecule blocking for direct microRNA detection without amplification

A CRISPR/Cas12a system enables exponential signal amplification for visual miRNA detection.

• The system utilizes a miRNA-triggered overhang blocker to facilitate cleavage-recombination.
• Cas12a is able to sequentially remove steric hindrance to initiate a self-amplifying process.
• This approach allows for detection without the need for target pre-amplification.
• The method addresses limitations of direct Cas12a recognition in point-of-care diagnostics.

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