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RNA Condensate as a Versatile Platform for Improving Fluorogenic RNA Aptamer Properties and Cell Imaging
Ruoyang Ji1, Long Wang1, Yuzhe Shang2
1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, P.R. China.
Journal of the American Chemical Society
|February 8, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed FLARE, a new platform using RNA condensates to enhance fluorogenic RNA aptamers for cell imaging. This approach improves aptamer stability, photostability, and sensitivity, enabling better cellular imaging sensors.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Imaging
Background:
- Fluorogenic RNA aptamers are crucial for cell imaging but face limitations like degradation and poor photostability.
- Molecular crowding environments can stabilize RNA structures and enhance their functionality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create a versatile platform for improving fluorogenic RNA aptamer properties.
- To develop advanced sensors for target analyte imaging in living cells.
Main Methods:
- Constructed artificial RNA condensates called FLARE (fluorogenic aptamer-based RNA condensates) using CUG repeats for phase separation.
- Investigated the impact of molecular crowding within FLARE on aptamer characteristics.
Main Results:
- FLARE significantly enhanced enzymatic resistance, thermostability, photostability, and binding affinity of RNA aptamers.
- Engineered FLARE-based sensors (FLARES) exhibited superior brightness and sensitivity compared to conventional sensors.
Conclusions:
- FLARE provides a scalable strategy to overcome limitations of fluorogenic RNA aptamers.
- This platform offers improved RNA aptamer regulation and advanced cellular imaging capabilities.
