https://video.igem.org/videos/watch/eed403e3-6c41-475a-9d73-30b5266e27ea Title: BlueCatcher: An Integrated Cell-Free Biosensing Platform for Molecular Monitoring of Major Depressive Disorder Description: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) affects millions worldwide, yet its assessment still relies largely on clinical interviews and symptom reporting. BlueCatcher aims to complement these approaches with a portable, cell-free biosensor for detecting MDD-associated circulating microRNAs (miRNAs). We developed an integrated biomarker selection pipeline combining differential expression , miRNA-mRNA interactions, pathway and co-expression analysis, and literature evidence, narrowing transcriptome-wide signals to five miRNA candidates. For detection, target miRNAs bind to a Three-Way Junction (TWJ), releasing a trigger that activates a cell-free toehold switch (THS). This produces a nuclease that cleaves a reporter, converting miRNA recognition into a measurable electrochemical signal. We further developed machine-learning workflows to guide TWJ and THS designs and prioritize candidates to experimental testing. By integrating biomarker discovery, programmable nucleic acids, cell-free amplification, and portable electrochemical sensing, BlueCatcher provides a detection platform for future MDD screening, longitudinal monitoring, and treatment-response assessment alongside existing clinical evaluation. Wiki | Official Page Thu, 29 Oct 2026 22:24:31 GMT https://validator.w3.org/feed/docs/rss2.html PeerTube - https://video.igem.org https://video.igem.org/client/assets/images/icons/icon-1500x1500.png https://video.igem.org/videos/watch/eed403e3-6c41-475a-9d73-30b5266e27ea All rights reserved, unless otherwise specified in the terms specified at https://video.igem.org/about and potential licenses granted by each content's rightholder.