DNA walker for signal amplification in living cells

The rapid development of DNA nanotechnology enables the programmable operation of advanced DNA walkers, mimicking the function of protein motor in living organisms. The walking systems inherently require four main components for construction, including motor, track, energy, and cargo. They are able to perform specific functions autonomously following a predesigned trajectory with nanometer precision. Research has focused on improving the three key features of DNA walkers: progressivity, speed, and directionality. The new DNA nano techniques have exhibited the powerful ability for signal amplification during their operation. This review will cover the breakthrough design and principle of walking systems, and highlight the recent application of DNA walkers for signal amplification in living cells. The engineering DNA walkers have great potential for diverse applications, such as imaging intracellular molecules, modulating cellular functions and facilitating drug delivery.