Reversible Modulation of Aptamer-Ligand Binding in RNA Light-Up Aptamers Containing G-Quadruplex Using Chemical...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
• Synthetic Biology
• Chemical Biology

Background:

• Natural biomolecules regulate equilibrium systems using stimuli to achieve non-equilibrium states for function.
• RNA aptamers with G-quadruplex structures are key components in various biological processes and synthetic systems.

Purpose of the Study:

• To demonstrate the reversible regulation of synthetic RNA G-quadruplex aptamer-ligand interactions between equilibrium and non-equilibrium states.
• To explore the use of simple chemical stimuli for controlling these dynamic nucleic acid interactions.

Main Methods:

• Design and synthesis of RNA aptamers featuring a G-quadruplex core structure.
• Application of chemical stimuli, specifically silver ions (Ag+) and cysteine, to induce transitions between equilibrium and non-equilibrium states.
• Monitoring and analysis of aptamer-ligand interaction dynamics under varying chemical conditions.

Main Results:

• Successfully demonstrated reversible switching of RNA G-quadruplex aptamer-ligand interactions from equilibrium to non-equilibrium states using Ag+ and cysteine.
• Reported for the first time that silver ions can disrupt RNA G-quadruplex structures.
• Validated the potential for precise control over aptamer-ligand binding in dynamic systems.

Conclusions:

• The developed method offers a novel strategy for designing dynamic nucleic acid networks requiring strict control over aptamer-ligand interactions.
• The findings provide new insights into the role of metal ions, particularly silver, in RNA folding, catalysis, and G-quadruplex stability.
• This work paves the way for advanced RNA-based sensors and regulators with tunable functionalities.