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Updated: Feb 19, 2026
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Real-time Imaging of Single Engineered RNA Transcripts in Living Cells Using Ratiometric Bimolecular Beacons
Published on: August 6, 2014
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Method for Imaging Live-Cell RNA Using an RNA Aptamer and a Fluorescent Probe
Shin-Ichi Sato1, Kenji Yatsuzuka2, Yousuke Katsuda3
1Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences (WPI-iCeMS), Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto, 611-0011, Japan. ssato@scl.kyoto-u.ac.jp.
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|November 14, 2017
Summary
Researchers developed a new method for live-cell imaging of messenger RNA (mRNA) dynamics using RNA aptamers and fluorescent probes. This versatile technique enables spatiotemporal visualization of endogenous mRNA in living cells.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Understanding gene expression requires visualizing messenger RNA (mRNA) dynamics within living cells.
- Spatially restricted gene expression is crucial for cellular function and development.
- Existing methods for mRNA imaging have limitations in convenience and versatility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, convenient, and versatile method for live-cell imaging of endogenous mRNA.
- To enable spatiotemporal visualization of mRNA molecules in real-time within living cells.
- To provide a broadly applicable tool for studying RNA dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a gene-specific RNA aptamer that binds to the target mRNA.
- Incorporated a fluorescent probe that binds to the RNA aptamer.
- Developed a system for live-cell imaging to monitor fluorescence signals correlated with mRNA localization and abundance.
Main Results:
- Successfully demonstrated live-cell imaging of endogenous β-actin mRNA dynamics.
- Validated the spatiotemporal resolution and specificity of the developed RNA-imaging method.
- Showcased the convenience and versatility of the technique for endogenous mRNA visualization.
Conclusions:
- The developed RNA-imaging technology offers a powerful new tool for studying mRNA dynamics in living cells.
- This method facilitates the investigation of spatially restricted gene expression.
- The technology holds potential for live-cell imaging of virtually any RNA molecule of interest.
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