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Lighting Up Endogenous RNA: Fluorescent Aptamer Sensors for Live-Cell Imaging
Zhe Ma1,2, Kulsoom1,2, Fu Wang1,2
1Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710004, China.
Chemical & Biomedical Imaging
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Fluorescent RNA aptamer sensors enable live-cell imaging of endogenous RNAs, crucial for understanding gene expression and disease. Advances improve visualization but require further development for broader applications in RNA biology.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Endogenous RNAs regulate cellular functions, necessitating live-cell imaging for research.
- Traditional RNA visualization methods have limitations, driving the need for advanced techniques.
- Fluorescent RNA aptamer-based sensors offer a non-invasive approach to visualize RNA in real-time.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in fluorescent RNA aptamer-based sensors for live-cell imaging.
- To discuss the design, activation mechanisms, and applications of these sensors.
- To identify current challenges and future directions for sensor development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on fluorescent RNA aptamer-based sensors.
- Analysis of sensor design principles and fluorescence activation mechanisms.
- Evaluation of sensor applications in live-cell RNA imaging.
Main Results:
- Fluorescent RNA aptamer sensors allow real-time tracking of mRNA, miRNA, and RNA-protein interactions.
- Recent progress has been made in sensor design, brightness, photostability, and specificity.
- Despite improvements, challenges remain in complex cellular environments.
Conclusions:
- Fluorescent RNA aptamer sensors are transformative tools for RNA biology research.
- Further development is needed to overcome limitations and enhance sensor performance.
- These sensors hold significant potential for diagnostics and therapeutics.
