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A genetically encoded Mango II-based system with increased brightness and selectivity for imaging RNAs in live cells
Julia I Svetlova1, Oksana S Bychenko2, Georgy K Slushko2,3
1Lopukhin Federal Research and Clinical Center of Physical-Chemical Medicine of Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 119435, Russia. annavarizhuk@gmail.com.
Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry
|August 26, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a new, biotin-free fluorogenic dye that improves bioimaging. This dye shows higher selectivity and brightness with aptamer-labeled RNA in live cells compared to existing options.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Bioimaging
Background:
- Genetically encoded aptamer-dye systems are crucial for bioimaging but often lack optimal brightness and contrast.
- Existing systems require further optimization to meet demanding bioimaging requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize a novel fluorogenic ligand for enhanced bioimaging applications.
- To improve selectivity and brightness in genetically encoded aptamer-dye systems.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of a new biotin-free fluorogenic ligand.
- In vitro selectivity assays for Mango II aptamer against other nucleic acid structures.
- In cellulo imaging experiments using live cells expressing aptamer-labeled RNA.
Main Results:
- The novel ligand exhibits superior selectivity for the Mango II aptamer over other DNA/RNA structures.
- The ligand demonstrates enhanced brightness when complexed with aptamer-labeled RNA in live cells.
- Performance surpasses that of previously known dyes in live-cell imaging.
Conclusions:
- The developed biotin-free fluorogenic ligand represents a significant advancement for aptamer-based bioimaging.
- This new dye offers improved performance, addressing key limitations in current genetically encoded imaging systems.
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