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Related Concept Videos

RNA Interference01:23

RNA Interference

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RNA interference (RNAi) is a process in which a small non-coding RNA molecule blocks the post-transcriptional expression of a gene by binding to its messenger RNA (mRNA) and preventing the protein from being translated.
This process occurs naturally in cells, often through the activity of genomically-encoded microRNAs. Researchers can take advantage of this mechanism by introducing synthetic RNAs to deactivate specific genes for research or therapeutic purposes. For example, RNAi could be used...
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Real-time Imaging of Single Engineered RNA Transcripts in Living Cells Using Ratiometric Bimolecular Beacons
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Real-time Imaging of Single Engineered RNA Transcripts in Living Cells Using Ratiometric Bimolecular Beacons

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Engineered RNA-based activation system for coronavirus sensing in live cells.

Leiping Zeng1, Christian Otero2,3, Lei S Qi1,3,4

  • 1Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.

Biodesign Research
|December 19, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed a Viral-Engineered RNA-based Activation System (VERAS) for real-time viral infection detection in live cells. This novel system also acts as a dual-purpose antiviral, offering new avenues for virology research and mRNA medicine development.

Keywords:
AntiviralCoronavirusLive cell detectionRNA sensorSynthetic biology

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Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biotechnology

Background:

  • Real-time sensing of viral infections in live cells is critical for advancing virology and antiviral drug discovery.
  • Current methods often suffer from low signal sensitivity and require invasive procedures like cell fixation or viral manipulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a novel system for sensitive, real-time detection of viral transcription and replication in live cells.
  • To create a dual-purpose system capable of both detecting infection and inducing therapeutic gene expression.
  • To engineer a system that can spread between cells, acting as a 'Trojan Horse' for antiviral delivery.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a Viral-Engineered RNA-based Activation System (VERAS) utilizing viral replicase for transgene induction.
  • Integration of a viral packaging sequence to enable cell-to-cell transmission via progeny virions.
  • Testing VERAS efficacy in detecting various coronaviruses (e.g., 229E, OC43) based on conserved RNA structures.

Main Results:

  • VERAS successfully detected real-time viral transcription and replication in live cells.
  • The system demonstrated effective detection of multiple coronaviruses, leveraging conserved cis-acting RNA structures.
  • VERAS functioned as both an infection sensor and an inducible antiviral system, with potential for cell-to-cell spread.

Conclusions:

  • VERAS offers a sensitive and versatile platform for real-time viral infection monitoring in live cells.
  • The system's dual functionality as a detector and therapeutic inducer holds significant promise for virology research.
  • VERAS can be adapted for inducible expression of mRNA medicines, particularly for combating future coronavirus threats.