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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
Real-time Imaging of Single Engineered RNA Transcripts in Living Cells Using Ratiometric Bimolecular Beacons
Published on: August 6, 2014
Programming ADAR-recruiting hairpin RNA sensor to detect endogenous molecules
Pei-Pei Qin1, Pin-Ru Chen1, Liu Tan1
1Institute of Engineering Biology and Health, Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University of Technology, No.18 Chao Wang Road, Gongshu District, Hangzhou 310014, China.
Researchers developed a versatile hairpin RNA sensor for detecting multiple intracellular molecules. This novel ADAR-based biosensor offers enhanced sensitivity and specificity for RNA, small molecules, and proteins in live cells.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Biosensing
Background:
- Adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs) show potential for in vivo biosensing.
- Current ADAR sensors are limited to single-target detection, restricting their application scope.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel hairpin RNA sensor for multiplexed in vivo detection.
- To overcome limitations of single-target ADAR sensors.
- To expand the range of detectable intracellular molecules.
Main Methods:
- Engineered hairpin RNA structures to create intramolecular duplexes for ADAR recruitment and editing.
- Utilized base-pairing interactions for enhanced stability and reverse effects for sensitive detection.
- Integrated RNA aptamers for detecting ATP and NF-κB via conformational changes.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated detection of messenger RNA, single-nucleotide variants, ATP, and NF-κB in live cells.
- Achieved high sensitivity and specificity irrespective of sequence requirements.
- Showcased the sensor's adaptability for diverse intracellular molecule detection.
Conclusions:
- The developed hairpin RNA sensor broadens the scope of ADAR-based biosensing.
- This technology enables multiplexed detection and offers potential for cell manipulation.
- Represents a significant advancement in in vivo biosensing and molecular detection.
