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Updated: Dec 23, 2025
Specific Labeling of Mitochondrial Nucleoids for Time-lapse Structured Illumination Microscopy
Published on: June 4, 2020
RNA-responsive fluorescent carbon dots for fast and wash-free nucleolus imaging
Xiaohui Yin1, Yuanqiang Sun1, Ran Yang1
1College of Chemistry, Green Catalysis Center, Henan Joint International Research Laboratory of Green Construction of Functional Molecules and Their Bioanalytical Applications, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
Abstract:
RNA as a carrier of genetic information plays a critical role in various physiological processes. RNA-rich nucleolus is usually employed as an important biomarker for many malignant diseases. Herein, RNA-responsive fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) were synthesized by a simple microwave method. Due to the presence of cationic benzothiazolium groups in the CDs, a "turn-on" fluorescence signal was achieved between CDs and RNA. The CDs exhibit excellent RNA selectivity and a good linear relationship with a detection limit of 0.62 μg/mL. The small particle size, polarity sensitivity and RNA response behavior of CDs realized fast and wash-free nucleolus imaging effectively. Overall, these CDs provide a powerful potential tool for monitoring cell nucleus activity and elucidating RNA dynamics.
