Abstract: Embodiments of the instant disclosure relate to novel compositions and methods for analyte detection by quantifying transcription of RNA using CRISPR-based approaches. In certain embodiments, constructs of use in assays disclosed herein can include a novel double-stranded DNA sequence having at least one transcriptional promoter, at least one regulatory element, and a target sequence. In some embodiments, constructs disclosed herein can be used in a system for quantifying transcriptional output in a sample in order to detect presence of an analyte. In other embodiments, constructs and systems disclosed herein can be used to measure enzyme activity, to detect and/or quantify at least one agent that modulates transcription, detect and/or quantify analytes (e.g. a contaminant, biomarkers or other agent) or a combination thereof in accordance with assessing health of a subject or assessing environmental conditions or contaminants.

Abstract: Provided herein are single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) that comprise aptamer sequences and related compositions and methods. Also provided herein are methods of selecting inducible sgRNAs that comprise aptamer sequences.