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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

Split Hybridization Probe Utilizing a DNA Fluorescent Light-up Aptamer as a Signal Reporter for Sequence-Specific Nucleic Acid Analysis
Published on: July 8, 2025
RNA analysis with a novel fluorescent oligonucleotide.
Takeshi Kubota1, Shuji Ikeda, Akimitsu Okamoto
1Frontier Reserarch System, RIKEN, 21 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 3510198, Japan.
Researchers developed a novel fluorescent oligonucleotide probe for analyzing RNA functions. This probe exhibits ideal photophysical properties, enhancing fluorescence upon stable double-strand formation with target DNA or RNA, enabling cellular analysis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Oligonucleotide Chemistry
Background:
- Understanding RNA function is crucial in molecular biology.
- Existing methods for RNA analysis may have limitations in speed, specificity, or cellular application.
- Development of novel probes is needed for advanced RNA research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and synthesize a novel fluorescent oligonucleotide probe.
- To evaluate the probe's performance as a tool for analyzing RNA functions.
- To assess the probe's applicability in living cells.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a novel fluorescent oligonucleotide probe.
- Characterization of the probe's photophysical properties, including fluorescence enhancement upon hybridization.
- Testing the probe's specificity and response in the presence of DNA and RNA targets.
- Application of the probe in living cells to assess cellular uptake and performance.
Main Results:
- The synthesized oligonucleotide functions as a green fluorophore.
- Fluorescence is enhanced significantly only when the probe forms a stable double-strand with DNA or RNA.
- The fluorescence enhancement is rapid, large, and highly target-specific.
- The probe demonstrated ideal photophysical properties for fluorescent applications.
- Successful application in living cells confirmed the feasibility of introducing the probe.
Conclusions:
- A novel fluorescent oligonucleotide probe with excellent photophysical properties has been developed.
- This probe enables specific and sensitive detection of DNA and RNA through fluorescence enhancement.
- The probe and its associated analytical method represent a valuable tool for studying RNA functions in biological systems.
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