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Updated: Jun 18, 2026
08:14
In Vitro Biochemical Assays using Biotin Labels to Study Protein-Nucleic Acid Interactions
Published on: July 17, 2019
13.4K
High-performance bioimaging and biosensing via nucleobase-editing enzymes.
Ruomeng Li1,2, Longyingzi Xie2, Xucong Teng1
1Beijing Institute of Life Science and Technology, Beijing 102206, China. jhli@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn.
Chemical Society Reviews
|March 3, 2026
Summary
Nucleobase-editing enzymes precisely modify DNA and RNA bases. These enzymes are now repurposed for advanced biosensing and bioimaging, offering new tools for diagnostics and synthetic biology.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Genomics and Epigenetics
- Biotechnology and Bioengineering
Background:
- Nucleobases are fundamental to DNA/RNA, undergoing modifications impacting genomic stability and cellular functions.
- Nucleobase-editing enzymes (deaminases, methyltransferases, glycosylases) perform precise base conversions, modifications, or excisions without DNA breaks.
- These enzymes, initially studied for gene regulation and repair, are now key in biosensing and bioimaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the catalytic principles and physiological roles of nucleobase-editing enzymes.
- To highlight the integration of these enzymes into biosensing and bioimaging applications.
- To discuss the advantages, challenges, and future directions for nucleobase-editing enzyme-driven bioanalytical platforms.
Main Methods:
- Outlining catalytic principles, substrate recognition, and reaction mechanisms of key nucleobase-editing enzymes.
- Describing three integration modes: nucleobase conversion, modification/demodification, and erasure for biosensing.
- Reviewing enzyme engineering, delivery strategies, and circuitry integration for advanced applications.
Main Results:
- Nucleobase conversion via deamination enables reporter translation or probe hybridization.
- Modification/demodification regulates downstream enzymatic biocatalysis or nucleic acid activation.
- Base erasure by glycosylases facilitates probe accommodation and enzyme-catalyzed amplification.
- Nucleobase-editing enzyme systems provide high specificity, amplification, and physiological compatibility for sensitive monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Nucleobase-editing enzymes are versatile tools bridging enzymology and biotechnology.
- These enzymes enable sensitive, spatiotemporally resolved monitoring of nucleic acids, proteins, and cellular processes.
- Future advancements promise next-generation bioanalytical platforms for diagnostics, monitoring, and synthetic biology.
