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Updated: Jun 29, 2025
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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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In situ imaging of mRNA transcripts based on split-aptamer and split protein in living cells
Yan Peng1,2, Mengqi Li1, Fuyu Gong1,2
1The Affiliated First Hospital of Fuyang Normal University, Fuyang Normal University Fuyang Anhui 236037 P.R. China pengyan@fynu.edu.cn gong2022@fynu.edu.cn.
RSC Advances
|March 28, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed a novel dual-color probe for detecting messenger RNA (mRNA) in living cells. This innovative split-aptamer and split-fluorescent protein method enables precise mRNA imaging with high selectivity and stability.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Messenger RNA (mRNA) plays a crucial role in cellular development and function.
- Current methods for detecting endogenous mRNA in live cells are limited, hindering research.
- There is a need for advanced tools to visualize mRNA dynamics within living systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, highly specific probe for detecting endogenous mRNA in live cells.
- To create a dual-color imaging system for enhanced mRNA visualization.
- To establish a stable and versatile platform for mRNA detection and analysis.
Main Methods:
- Development of split-aptamer and split fluorescent protein probes.
- Design of probes with complementary sequences for specific mRNA targeting.
- Utilizing split-protein-initiated fluorescence complementation (sAPiFC) for signal generation.
- Application of the sAPiFC approach for live-cell imaging.
Main Results:
- The sAPiFC probes demonstrated high selectivity for target mRNAs.
- The developed probes exhibited excellent stability within living cells.
- The system proved capable of targeting and imaging a variety of different mRNAs.
- Successful dual-color imaging of mRNA was achieved.
Conclusions:
- The novel sAPiFC approach provides a powerful tool for live-cell mRNA imaging.
- This method overcomes limitations of existing mRNA detection techniques.
- The technology offers significant potential for studying gene expression and cellular processes.
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