Protocols for the generation of caged guideRNAs for light-triggered RNA-targeting with SNAP-ADARs

The SNAP-tag technology offers a convenient way to assemble guideRNA-protein conjugates for transcript-specific RNA editing in vitro, in cell culture and in vivo. In contrast to other methods, including CRISPR/Cas-based, the SNAP-tag is small, well expressed and of human origin. Furthermore, the SNAP-ADAR approach enables the ready inclusion of photo control by caging/decaging of the benzylguanine moiety required for the conjugation reaction with the SNAP-tag. Beyond site-directed RNA editing, the method has high potential for various applications in the field of RNA targeting. However, the generation of the required guideRNAs includes some basic chemistry. Here, we provide step-by-step protocols for (a) conduction of photo controlled RNA editing reaction, (b) the generation of photo activatable guideRNAs, and (c) the synthesis of the caged benzylguanine moiety. With this we hope to foster a broader application of these attractive methods to researchers with less experience in chemistry.