1
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Ito K, Tayama T, Uemura S, Iizuka R. Isolation of novel fluorogenic RNA aptamers via in vitro compartmentalization using microbead-display libraries. Talanta 2024; 278:126488. [PMID: 38955098 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Fluorogenic RNA aptamers, which specifically bind to fluorogens and dramatically enhance their fluorescence, are valuable for imaging and detecting RNAs and metabolites in living cells. Most fluorogenic RNA aptamers have been identified and engineered through iterative rounds of in vitro selection based on their binding to target fluorogens. While such selection is an efficient approach for generating RNA aptamers, it is less efficient for isolating fluorogenic aptamers because it does not directly screen for fluorogenic properties. In this study, we combined a fluorescence-based in vitro selection technique using water-in-oil microdroplets with an affinity-based selection technique to obtain fluorogenic RNA aptamers. This approach allowed us to identify novel fluorogenic aptamers for a biotin-modified thiazole orange derivative. Our results demonstrate that our approach can expand the diversity of fluorogenic RNA aptamers, thus leading to new applications for the imaging and detection of biomolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Ito
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Tomotaka Tayama
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Sotaro Uemura
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan; Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (CREST), Japan Science and Technology Agency, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0075, Japan.
| | - Ryo Iizuka
- Department of Biological Sciences, Graduate School of Science, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan.
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2
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Schneekloth JS, Yang M, Prestwood P, Passalacqua L, Balaratnam S, Fullenkamp C, Arney W, Weeks KM, Ferre-D'Amare A. Structure-Informed Design of an Ultra Bright RNA-activated Fluorophore. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4750449. [PMID: 39149476 PMCID: PMC11326382 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4750449/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Fluorogenic RNAs such as the Mango aptamers are uniquely powerful tools for imaging RNA. A central challenge has been to develop brighter, more specific, and higher affinity aptamer-ligand systems for cellular imaging. Here, we report an ultra-bright fluorophore for the Mango II system discovered using a structure-informed, fragment-based small molecule microarray approach. The new dye, Structure informed, Array-enabled LigAnD 1 (SALAD1) exhibits 3.5-fold brighter fluorescence than TO1-Biotin and subnanomolar aptamer affinity. Improved performance comes solely from alteration of dye-RNA interactions, without alteration of the chromophore itself. Multiple high-resolution structures reveal a unique and specific binding mode for the new dye resulting from improved pocket occupancy, a more defined binding pose, and a novel bonding interaction with potassium. The dye notably improves in-cell confocal RNA imaging. This work provides both introduces a new RNA-activated fluorophore and also a powerful demonstration of how to leverage fragment-based ligand discovery against RNA targets.
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3
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Kehrli J, Husser C, Ryckelynck M. Fluorogenic RNA-Based Biosensors of Small Molecules: Current Developments, Uses, and Perspectives. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:376. [PMID: 39194605 DOI: 10.3390/bios14080376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Small molecules are highly relevant targets for detection and quantification. They are also used to diagnose and monitor the progression of disease and infectious processes and track the presence of contaminants. Fluorogenic RNA-based biosensors (FRBs) represent an appealing solution to the problem of detecting these targets. They combine the portability of molecular systems with the sensitivity and multiplexing capacity of fluorescence, as well as the exquisite ligand selectivity of RNA aptamers. In this review, we first present the different sensing and reporting aptamer modules currently available to design an FRB, together with the main methodologies used to discover modules with new specificities. We next introduce and discuss how both modules can be functionally connected prior to exploring the main applications for which FRB have been used. Finally, we conclude by discussing how using alternative nucleotide chemistries may improve FRB properties and further widen their application scope.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Kehrli
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Claire Husser
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Michael Ryckelynck
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
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4
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Olave B. DNA nanotechnology in ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents. Crit Rev Biotechnol 2024; 44:941-961. [PMID: 37518062 DOI: 10.1080/07388551.2023.2229950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acids have the ability to generate advanced nanostructures in a controlled manner and can interact with target sequences or molecules with high affinity and selectivity. For this reason, they have applications in a variety of nanotechnology applications, from highly specific sensors to smart nanomachines and even in other applications such as enantioselective catalysis or drug delivery systems. However, a common disadvantage is the use of water as the ubiquitous solvent. The use of nucleic acids in non-aqueous solvents offers the opportunity to create a completely new toolbox with unprecedented degrees of freedom. Ionic liquids (ILs) and deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are the most promising alternative solvents due to their unique electrolyte and solvent roles, as well as their ability to maintain the stability and functionality of nucleic acids. This review aims to be a comprehensive, critical, and accessible evaluation of how much this goal has been achieved and what are the most critical parameters for accomplishing a breakthrough.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beñat Olave
- University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
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5
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Quillin A, Arnould B, Knutson SD, Heemstra JM. Spatial Visualization of A-to-I Editing in Cells Using Endonuclease V Immunostaining Assay (EndoVIA). ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2024; 10:1396-1405. [PMID: 39071059 PMCID: PMC11273454 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.4c00444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Adenosine-to-inosine (A-to-I) editing is one of the most widespread post-transcriptional RNA modifications and is catalyzed by adenosine deaminases acting on RNA (ADARs). Varying across tissue types, A-to-I editing is essential for numerous biological functions, and dysregulation leads to autoimmune and neurological disorders, as well as cancer. Recent evidence has also revealed a link between RNA localization and A-to-I editing, yet understanding of the mechanisms underlying this relationship and its biological impact remains limited. Current methods rely primarily on in vitro characterization of extracted RNA that ultimately erases subcellular localization and cell-to-cell heterogeneity. To address these challenges, we have repurposed endonuclease V (EndoV), a magnesium-dependent ribonuclease that cleaves inosine bases in edited RNA, to selectively bind and detect A-to-I edited RNA in cells. The work herein introduces an endonuclease V immunostaining assay (EndoVIA), a workflow that provides spatial visualization of edited transcripts, enables rapid quantification of overall inosine abundance, and maps the landscape of A-to-I editing within the transcriptome at the nanoscopic level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria
L. Quillin
- Department
of Chemistry, Washington University in St.
Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Benoît Arnould
- Department
of Chemistry, Washington University in St.
Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
| | - Steve D. Knutson
- Merck
Center for Catalysis, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
- Department
of Chemistry, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States
| | - Jennifer M. Heemstra
- Department
of Chemistry, Washington University in St.
Louis, St. Louis, Missouri 63130, United States
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6
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Evans NM, Shivers LR, To AJ, Murphy GK, Dieckmann T. Biophysical characterization and design of a minimal version of the Hoechst RNA aptamer. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 711:149908. [PMID: 38613867 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.149908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
RNA aptamers are oligonucleotides, selected through Systematic Evolution of Ligands by EXponential Enrichment (SELEX), that can bind to specific target molecules with high affinity. One such molecule is the RNA aptamer that binds to a blue-fluorescent Hoechst dye that was modified with bulky t-Bu groups to prevent non-specific binding to DNA. This aptamer has potential for biosensor applications; however, limited information is available regarding its conformation, molecular interactions with the ligand, and binding mechanism. The study presented here aims to biophysically characterize the Hoechst RNA aptamer when complexed with the t-Bu Hoechst dye and to further optimize the RNA sequence by designing and synthesizing new sequence variants. Each variant aptamer-t-Bu Hoechst complex was evaluated through a combination of fluorescence emission, native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, fluorescence titration, and isothermal titration calorimetry experiments. The results were used to design a minimal version of the aptamer consisting of only 21 nucleotides. The performed study also describes a more efficient method for synthesizing the t-Bu Hoechst dye derivative. Understanding the biophysical properties of the t-Bu Hoechst dye-RNA complex lays the foundation for nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies and its potential development as a building block for an aptamer-based biosensor that can be used in medical, environmental or laboratory settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha M Evans
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Lindsey R Shivers
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Avery J To
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Graham K Murphy
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Thorsten Dieckmann
- Department of Chemistry, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON, N2L 3G1, Canada.
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7
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Turk Z, Armani A, Jafari-Gharabaghlou D, Madakbas S, Bonabi E, Zarghami N. A new insight into the early detection of HER2 protein in breast cancer patients with a focus on electrochemical biosensors approaches: A review. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 272:132710. [PMID: 38825266 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in women and is a prevalent kind of cancerous growth, representing a substantial risk to women's health. Early detection of breast cancer is essential for effective treatment and improved survival rates. Biomarkers, active substances that signal the existence and advancement of a tumor, play a significant role in the early detection of breast cancer. Hence, accurate identification of biomarkers for tumors is crucial for diagnosing and treating breast cancer. However, the primary diagnostic methods used for the detection of breast cancer require specific equipment, skilled professionals, and specialized analysis, leading to elevated detection expenses. Regarding this obstacle, recent studies emphasize electrochemical biosensors as more advanced and sensitive detection tools compared to traditional methods. Electrochemical biosensors are employed to identify biomarkers that act as unique indicators for the onset, recurrence, and monitoring of therapeutic interventions for breast cancer. This study aims to provide a summary of the electrochemical biosensors that have been employed for the detection of breast cancer at an early stage over the past decade. Initially, the text provides concise information about breast cancer and tumor biomarkers. Subsequently, an in-depth analysis is conducted to systematically review the progress of electrochemical biosensors developed for the stable, specific, and sensitive identification of biomarkers associated with breast cancer. Particular emphasis was given to crucial clinical biomarkers, specifically the human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2). The analysis then explores the limitations and challenges inherent in the design of effective biosensors for diagnosing and treating breast cancer. Ultimately, we provided an overview of future research directions and concluded by outlining the advantages of electrochemical biosensor approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Turk
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Marmara University, Istanbul, Türkiye; Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Istanbul Aydin University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Arta Armani
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Aydin University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Davoud Jafari-Gharabaghlou
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Seyfullah Madakbas
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Marmara University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Esat Bonabi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Aydin University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Nosratollah Zarghami
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Aydin University, Istanbul, Türkiye.
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8
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Liu M, Tan Y, Zhou C, Fu Z, Huang R, Li J, Li L. Fluorogenic Aptamer-Based Hybridization Chain Reaction for Signal-Amplified Imaging of Apurinic/Apyrimidinic Endonuclease 1 in Living Cells. BIOSENSORS 2024; 14:274. [PMID: 38920578 PMCID: PMC11202136 DOI: 10.3390/bios14060274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024]
Abstract
A fluorogenic aptamer (FA)-based hybridization chain reaction (HCR) could provide a sensitive and label-free signal amplification method for imaging molecules in living cells. However, existing FA-HCR methods usually face some problems, such as a complicated design and significant background leakage, which greatly limit their application. Herein, we developed an FA-centered HCR (FAC-HCR) method based on a remote toehold-mediated strand displacement reaction. Compared to traditional HCRs mediated by four hairpin probes (HPs) and two HPs, the FAC-HCR displayed significantly decreased background leakage and improved sensitivity. Furthermore, the FAC-HCR was used to test a non-nucleic acid target, apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), an important BER-involved endonuclease. The fluorescence analysis results confirmed that FAC-HCR can reach a detection limit of 0.1174 U/mL. By using the two HPs for FAC-HCR with polyetherimide-based nanoparticles, the activity of APE1 in living cells can be imaged. In summary, this study could provide a new idea to design an FA-based HCR and improve the performance of HCRs in live cell imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixi Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Sanya 572024, China; (M.L.); (Y.T.); (C.Z.); (Z.F.)
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Hainan Province, One Health Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Yunjie Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Sanya 572024, China; (M.L.); (Y.T.); (C.Z.); (Z.F.)
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Hainan Province, One Health Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Chen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Sanya 572024, China; (M.L.); (Y.T.); (C.Z.); (Z.F.)
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Hainan Province, One Health Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Zhaoming Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Sanya 572024, China; (M.L.); (Y.T.); (C.Z.); (Z.F.)
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Hainan Province, One Health Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Ru Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biomedical Engineering, Hainan University, Sanya 572024, China; (M.L.); (Y.T.); (C.Z.); (Z.F.)
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Hainan Province, One Health Institute, Hainan University, Sanya 572024, China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Painology, Hainan Cancer Hospital, Haikou 570311, China
| | - Le Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Control, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China;
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9
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Jeong J, Hu X, Yin R, Fantin M, Das SR, Matyjaszewski K. Nucleic Acid-Binding Dyes as Versatile Photocatalysts for Atom-Transfer Radical Polymerization. J Am Chem Soc 2024; 146:13598-13606. [PMID: 38691811 PMCID: PMC11100002 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.4c03513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-binding dyes (NuABDs) are fluorogenic probes that light up after binding to nucleic acids. Taking advantage of their fluorogenicity, NuABDs have been widely utilized in the fields of nanotechnology and biotechnology for diagnostic and analytical applications. We demonstrate the potential of NuABDs together with an appropriate nucleic acid scaffold as an intriguing photocatalyst for precisely controlled atom-transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). Additionally, we systematically investigated the thermodynamic and electrochemical properties of the dyes, providing insights into the mechanism that drives the photopolymerization. The versatility of the NuABD-based platform was also demonstrated through successful polymerizations using several NuABDs in conjunction with diverse nucleic acid scaffolds, such as G-quadruplex DNA or DNA nanoflowers. This study not only extends the horizons of controlled photopolymerization but also broadens opportunities for nucleic acid-based materials and technologies, including nucleic acid-polymer biohybrids and stimuli-responsive ATRP platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaepil Jeong
- Department
of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Center
for Nucleic Acids Science & Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Xiaolei Hu
- Department
of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Rongguan Yin
- Department
of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Marco Fantin
- Department
of Chemical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Marzolo 1, Padova 35131, Italy
| | - Subha R. Das
- Department
of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
- Center
for Nucleic Acids Science & Technology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
| | - Krzysztof Matyjaszewski
- Department
of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, United States
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10
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Gu Y, Bai R, Qiu X, Wang X, Lu S, Li CM, Guo C. In Vivo Imaging MicroRNA with Bright Fluorescent RNA Aptamer Through Target-Mediated Entropy-Driven Toehold Exchange. Anal Chem 2024; 96:7609-7617. [PMID: 38687631 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.4c00510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital roles in biological activities, but their in vivo imaging is still challenging due to the low abundance and the lack of efficient fluorescent tools. RNA aptamers with high affinity and low background emerge for bioimaging yet suffering from low brightness. We introduce a rational design based on target-mediated entropy-driven toehold exchange (EDTE) to induce the release of RNA aptamer and subsequently light up corresponding fluorophore, which achieves selective imaging of miRNAs with good stability in both living cells and tumor-bearing mouse. Through tailoring recognition unit of the EDTE probes, highly sensitive imaging of different miRNAs including miRNA-125b and miRNA-21 is achieved, confirming its universal bioimaging applications. In comparison with the reported "one-to-one" model, the EDTE strategy shows a remarkable 4.6-time improvement in signal/noise ratio for intracellular imaging of the same miRNA. Particularly, it realizes sensitive imaging of miRNA in vivo, providing a promising tool in investigating functions and interactions of disease-associated miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Gu
- Institute of Materials Science and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Kerui Road, Suzhou 215009, P. R. China
| | - Rui Bai
- Institute of Materials Science and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Kerui Road, Suzhou 215009, P. R. China
| | - Xingchen Qiu
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Xuefu Road, Suzhou 215009, P. R. China
| | - Xiaobao Wang
- Institute of Materials Science and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Kerui Road, Suzhou 215009, P. R. China
| | - Shasha Lu
- Institute of Materials Science and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Kerui Road, Suzhou 215009, P. R. China
| | - Chang-Ming Li
- Institute of Materials Science and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Kerui Road, Suzhou 215009, P. R. China
| | - Chunxian Guo
- Institute of Materials Science and Devices, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Kerui Road, Suzhou 215009, P. R. China
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11
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Wu Y, Zhu L, Zhang Y, Xu W. Multidimensional Applications and Challenges of Riboswitches in Biosensing and Biotherapy. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024; 20:e2304852. [PMID: 37658499 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202304852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Riboswitches have received significant attention over the last two decades for their multiple functionalities and great potential for applications in various fields. This article highlights and reviews the recent advances in biosensing and biotherapy. These fields involve a wide range of applications, such as food safety detection, environmental monitoring, metabolic engineering, live cell imaging, wearable biosensors, antibacterial drug targets, and gene therapy. The discovery, origin, and optimization of riboswitches are summarized to help readers better understand their multidimensional applications. Finally, this review discusses the multidimensional challenges and development of riboswitches in order to further expand their potential for novel applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Longjiao Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yangzi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Wentao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Precision Nutrition and Food Quality, Beijing Laboratory for Food Quality and Safety, Department of Nutrition and Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100191, China
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12
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Fischermeier D, Steinmetzger C, Höbartner C, Mitrić R. Conformational preferences of modified nucleobases in RNA aptamers and their effect on Förster resonant energy transfer. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2023; 26:241-248. [PMID: 38054366 DOI: 10.1039/d3cp04704k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Förster resonant energy transfer (FRET) can be utilized in the study of tertiary structures of RNA aptamers, which bind specific fluorophoric ligands to form a fluorogenic aptamer complex. By introducing the emissive nucleobase analog 4-cyanoindole into the fluorogenic Chili RNA aptamer a FRET pair was established. The interpretation of studies aiming to investigate those tertiary structures using FRET, however, relies on prior knowledge about conformational properties of the nucleobase, which govern exciton transfer capabilities. Herein we employed classical molecular dynamics combined with Förster exciton theory to elucidate the preferred orientation relative to proximate bases and the influence on exciton transfer efficiency in multiple substitution sites. We did this by comparing the chromophoric distances emergent from MD simulations with experimental FRET data based on structural data of the native aptamer. We present the outlined methodology as a means to reliably evaluate future nucleobase analogue candidates in terms of their structural behavior and emergent exciton transfer properties as exemplified in the study of the preferred orientation of 4-cyanoindole in the Chili RNA aptamer.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Fischermeier
- Institut für Physikalische und Theoretische Chemie, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
| | - Christian Steinmetzger
- Institut für Organische Chemie, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Höbartner
- Institut für Organische Chemie, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Roland Mitrić
- Institut für Physikalische und Theoretische Chemie, Universität Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
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13
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Climent-Catala A, Casas-Rodrigo I, Iyer S, Ledesma-Amaro R, Ouldridge TE. Evaluating DFHBI-Responsive RNA Light-Up Aptamers as Fluorescent Reporters for Gene Expression. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:3754-3765. [PMID: 37991880 PMCID: PMC10729303 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Protein-based fluorescent reporters have been widely used to characterize and localize biological processes in living cells. However, these reporters may have certain drawbacks for some applications, such as transcription-based studies or biological interactions with fast dynamics. In this context, RNA nanotechnology has emerged as a promising alternative, suggesting the use of functional RNA molecules as transcriptional fluorescent reporters. RNA-based aptamers can bind to nonfluorescent small molecules to activate their fluorescence. However, their performance as reporters of gene expression in living cells has not been fully characterized, unlike protein-based reporters. Here, we investigate the performance of three RNA light-up aptamers─F30-2xdBroccoli, tRNA-Spinach, and Tornado Broccoli─as fluorescent reporters for gene expression in Escherichia coli and compare them to a protein reporter. We examine the activation range and effect on the cell growth of RNA light-up aptamers in time-course experiments and demonstrate that these aptamers are suitable transcriptional reporters over time. Using flow cytometry, we compare the variability at the single-cell level caused by the RNA fluorescent reporters and protein-based reporters. We found that the expression of RNA light-up aptamers produced higher variability in a population than that of their protein counterpart. Finally, we compare the dynamical behavior of these RNA light-up aptamers and protein-based reporters. We observed that RNA light-up aptamers might offer faster dynamics compared to a fluorescent protein in E. coli. The implementation of these transcriptional reporters may facilitate transcription-based studies, gain further insights into transcriptional processes, and expand the implementation of RNA-based circuits in bacterial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Climent-Catala
- Imperial
College Centre for Synthetic Biology, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
- Department
of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
- Department
of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
| | - Ivan Casas-Rodrigo
- Department
of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH
Zurich, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Suhasini Iyer
- Imperial
College Centre for Synthetic Biology, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
- Department
of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
| | - Rodrigo Ledesma-Amaro
- Imperial
College Centre for Synthetic Biology, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
- Department
of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
| | - Thomas E. Ouldridge
- Imperial
College Centre for Synthetic Biology, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
- Department
of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
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14
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Aggarwal T, Wang L, Gutierrez B, Guven H, Erguven H, Izgu EC. A Small-Molecule Approach to Bypass In Vitro Selection of New Aptamers: Designer Pre-Ligands Turn Baby Spinach into Sensors for Reactive Inorganic Targets. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.29.551132. [PMID: 38168427 PMCID: PMC10760011 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.29.551132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Fluorescent light-up aptamer (FLAP) systems are promising biosensing platforms that can be genetically encoded. Here, we describe how a single FLAP that works with specific organic ligands can detect multiple, structurally unique, non-fluorogenic, and reactive inorganic targets. We developed 4-O-functionalized benzylidene imidazolinones as pre-ligands with suppressed fluorescent binding interactions with the RNA aptamer Baby Spinach. Inorganic targets, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), can specifically convert these pre-ligands into the native benzylidene imidazolinones, and thus be detected with Baby Spinach. Adaptation of this approach to live cells opened a new opportunity for top-down construction of whole-cell sensors: Escherichia coli transformed with a Baby Spinach-encoding plasmid and incubated with pre-ligands generated fluorescence in response to exogenous H2S or H2O2. Our approach eliminates the requirement of in vitro selection of a new aptamer sequence for molecular target detection, allows for the detection of short-lived targets, thereby advancing FLAP systems beyond their current capabilities. Leveraging the functional group reactivity of small molecules can lead to cell-based sensors for inorganic molecular targets, exploiting a new synergism between synthetic organic chemistry and synthetic biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tushar Aggarwal
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Liming Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Bryan Gutierrez
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Hakan Guven
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Huseyin Erguven
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
| | - Enver Cagri Izgu
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08854, USA
- Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Rutgers Center for Lipid Research, New Jersey Institute for Food, Nutrition, and Health, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
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15
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Jensen D, Ruiz Manzano A, Rector M, Tomko E, Record M, Galburt E. High-throughput, fluorescent-aptamer-based measurements of steady-state transcription rates for the Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNA polymerase. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:e99. [PMID: 37739412 PMCID: PMC10602862 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The first step in gene expression is the transcription of DNA sequences into RNA. Regulation at the level of transcription leads to changes in steady-state concentrations of RNA transcripts, affecting the flux of downstream functions and ultimately cellular phenotypes. Changes in transcript levels are routinely followed in cellular contexts via genome-wide sequencing techniques. However, in vitro mechanistic studies of transcription have lagged with respect to throughput. Here, we describe the use of a real-time, fluorescent-aptamer-based method to quantitate steady-state transcription rates of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNA polymerase. We present clear controls to show that the assay specifically reports on promoter-dependent, full-length RNA transcription rates that are in good agreement with the kinetics determined by gel-resolved, α-32P NTP incorporation experiments. We illustrate how the time-dependent changes in fluorescence can be used to measure regulatory effects of nucleotide concentrations and identity, RNAP and DNA concentrations, transcription factors, and antibiotics. Our data showcase the ability to easily perform hundreds of parallel steady-state measurements across varying conditions with high precision and reproducibility to facilitate the study of the molecular mechanisms of bacterial transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drake Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Ana Ruiz Manzano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - Maxwell Rector
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Eric J Tomko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63108, USA
| | - M Thomas Record
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Eric A Galburt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63108, USA
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16
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Yadav A, Patil R, Dutta S. Advanced Self-Powered Biofuel Cells with Capacitor and Nanogenerator for Biomarker Sensing. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2023; 6:4060-4080. [PMID: 37787456 DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.3c00640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Self-powered biofuel cells (BFCs) have evolved for highly sensitive detection of biomarkers such as noncodon micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) in the presence of interfering substrates. Self-charging supercapacitive BFCs for in vivo and in vitro cellular microenvironments represent the most prevalent sensing mechanism for diagnosis. Therefore, self-powered biosensing (SPB) with a capacitor and contact separation with a triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) offers electrochemical and colorimetric dual-mode detection via improved electrical signal intensity. In this review, we discuss three major components: stretchable self-powered BFC design, miRNA sensing, and impedance spectroscopy. A specific focus is given to 1) assembling of sensors for biomarkers, 2) electrical output signal intensification, and 3) role of supercapacitors and nanogenerators in SPBs. We outline the key features of stretchable SPBs and the sequence of miRNA sensing by SPBs. We have emphasized the need of a supercapacitor and nanogenerator for SPBs in the context of advanced assembly of the sensing unit. Finally, we outline the role of impedance spectroscopy in the detection and estimation of biomarkers. We highlight key challenges in SPBs for biomarker sensing, which needs improved sensing accuracy, integration strategies of electrochemical biosensing for in vitro and in vivo microenvironments, and the impact of miRNA sensing on cancer diagnostics. This article attempts a specific focus on the accuracy and limitations of sensing unit for miRNA biomarkers and associated tool for boosting electrical signal intensity for a potential big step further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anubha Yadav
- Electrochemical Energy & Sensor Research Laboratory Amity Institute of Click Chemistry Research & Studies, Amity University, Sector 125, Noida 201301, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Rahul Patil
- Electrochemical Energy & Sensor Research Laboratory Amity Institute of Click Chemistry Research & Studies, Amity University, Sector 125, Noida 201301, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Saikat Dutta
- Electrochemical Energy & Sensor Research Laboratory Amity Institute of Click Chemistry Research & Studies, Amity University, Sector 125, Noida 201301, Uttar Pradesh, India
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17
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Wang T, Simmel FC. Switchable Fluorescent Light-Up Aptamers Based on Riboswitch Architectures. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202302858. [PMID: 37163453 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202302858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent light-up RNA aptamers (FLAPs) such as Spinach or Mango can bind small fluorogens and activate their fluorescence. Here, we adopt a switching mechanism otherwise found in riboswitches and use it to engineer switchable FLAPs that can be activated or repressed by trigger oligonucleotides or small metabolites. The fluorophore binding pocket of the FLAPs comprises guanine (G) quadruplexes, whose critical nucleotides can be sequestered by corresponding anti-FLAP sequences, leading to an inactive conformation and thus preventing association with the fluorophore. We modified the FLAPs with designed toehold hairpins that carry either an anti-FLAP or an anti-anti-FLAP sequence within the loop region. The addition of an input RNA molecule triggers a toehold-mediated strand invasion process that refolds the FLAP into an active or inactive configuration. Several of our designs display close-to-zero leak signals and correspondingly high ON/OFF fluorescence ratios. We also modified purine aptamers to sequester a partial anti-FLAP or an anti-anti-FLAP sequence to control the formation of the fluorogen-binding conformation, resulting in FLAPs whose fluorescence is activated or deactivated in the presence of guanine or adenine. We demonstrate that switching modules can be easily combined to generate FLAPs whose fluorescence depends on several inputs with different types of input logic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianhe Wang
- Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems-E14, Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Science, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748, Garching, Germany
| | - Friedrich C Simmel
- Physics of Synthetic Biological Systems-E14, Department of Bioscience, TUM School of Natural Science, Technische Universität München, Am Coulombwall 4a, 85748, Garching, Germany
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18
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Fan Z, Dou CX, Tang LJ, Wang F, Jiang JH. Genetically Encoded RNA Sensors for Ratiometric and Multiplexed Imaging of Small Molecules in Living Cells. Anal Chem 2023; 95:14455-14464. [PMID: 37699117 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded sensors afford powerful tools for studying small molecules and metabolites in live cells. However, genetically encoded sensors with a general design remain to be developed. Here we develop genetically encoded RNA sensors with a modular design for ratiometric and multiplexed imaging of small molecules in live cells. The sensor utilizes aptazyme as a recognition module and the light-up RNA aptamer as a signal reporter. The conformation of light-up aptamers is abrogated by a blocking sequence, and aptazyme-mediated cleavage restores the correct conformation, delivering activated fluorescence for small molecule imaging. We first developed a genetically encoded ratiometric sensor using Mango aptamer as a reference and SRB2 as a reporter. It is shown that the sensor allows quantitative imaging and detection of theophylline in live cells. The generality of the design is further demonstrated for imaging other small molecules by replacing the aptazymes. Its ability for multiplexed imaging of small molecules is further explored via the integration of different small-molecule responsive aptazymes and light-up RNA aptamers. This modular design could offer a versatile platform for imaging diverse molecules in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Cai-Xia Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Li-Juan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Fenglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Jian-Hui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
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19
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DeRosa M, Lin A, Mallikaratchy P, McConnell E, McKeague M, Patel R, Shigdar S. In vitro selection of aptamers and their applications. NATURE REVIEWS. METHODS PRIMERS 2023; 3:55. [PMID: 37969927 PMCID: PMC10647184 DOI: 10.1038/s43586-023-00247-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
The introduction of the in-vitro evolution method known as SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential enrichment) more than 30 years ago led to the conception of versatile synthetic receptors known as aptamers. Offering many benefits such as low cost, high stability and flexibility, aptamers have sparked innovation in molecular diagnostics, enabled advances in synthetic biology and have facilitated new therapeutic approaches. The SELEX method itself is inherently adaptable and offers near limitless possibilities in yielding functional nucleic acid ligands. This Primer serves to provide guidance on experimental design and highlight new growth areas for this impactful technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- M.C. DeRosa
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1T2S2
| | - A. Lin
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A 0B8
| | - P. Mallikaratchy
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Biomedical Sciences, City University of New York School of Medicine, New York, NY 10031, USA
- Ph.D. Programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry, CUNY Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
- Ph.D. Program in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, CUNY Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - E.M. McConnell
- Department of Chemistry and Institute of Biochemistry, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON, Canada K1T2S2
| | - M. McKeague
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3A 0B8
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada, H3G 1Y6
| | - R. Patel
- Ph.D. Programs in Chemistry and Biochemistry, CUNY Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - S. Shigdar
- School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
- Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia
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20
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Mikkelsen NS, Bak RO. Enrichment strategies to enhance genome editing. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:51. [PMID: 37393268 PMCID: PMC10315055 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00943-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome editing technologies hold great promise for numerous applications including the understanding of cellular and disease mechanisms and the development of gene and cellular therapies. Achieving high editing frequencies is critical to these research areas and to achieve the overall goal of being able to manipulate any target with any desired genetic outcome. However, gene editing technologies sometimes suffer from low editing efficiencies due to several challenges. This is often the case for emerging gene editing technologies, which require assistance for translation into broader applications. Enrichment strategies can support this goal by selecting gene edited cells from non-edited cells. In this review, we elucidate the different enrichment strategies, their many applications in non-clinical and clinical settings, and the remaining need for novel strategies to further improve genome research and gene and cellular therapy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanna S Mikkelsen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10, Bldg. 1115, 8000, Aarhus C., Denmark
| | - Rasmus O Bak
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10, Bldg. 1115, 8000, Aarhus C., Denmark.
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21
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Englert D, Burger EM, Grün F, Verma MS, Lackner J, Lampe M, Bühler B, Schokolowski J, Nienhaus GU, Jäschke A, Sunbul M. Fast-exchanging spirocyclic rhodamine probes for aptamer-based super-resolution RNA imaging. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3879. [PMID: 37391423 PMCID: PMC10313827 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39611-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Live-cell RNA imaging with high spatial and temporal resolution remains a major challenge. Here we report the development of RhoBAST:SpyRho, a fluorescent light-up aptamer (FLAP) system ideally suited for visualizing RNAs in live or fixed cells with various advanced fluorescence microscopy modalities. Overcoming problems associated with low cell permeability, brightness, fluorogenicity, and signal-to-background ratio of previous fluorophores, we design a novel probe, SpyRho (Spirocyclic Rhodamine), which tightly binds to the RhoBAST aptamer. High brightness and fluorogenicity is achieved by shifting the equilibrium between spirolactam and quinoid. With its high affinity and fast ligand exchange, RhoBAST:SpyRho is a superb system for both super-resolution SMLM and STED imaging. Its excellent performance in SMLM and the first reported super-resolved STED images of specifically labeled RNA in live mammalian cells represent significant advances over other FLAPs. The versatility of RhoBAST:SpyRho is further demonstrated by imaging endogenous chromosomal loci and proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Englert
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva-Maria Burger
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Franziska Grün
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mrigank S Verma
- Institute of Applied Physics (APH), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Jens Lackner
- Institute of Applied Physics (APH), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Marko Lampe
- Advanced Light Microscopy Facility, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bastian Bühler
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Janin Schokolowski
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - G Ulrich Nienhaus
- Institute of Applied Physics (APH), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany.
- Institute of Nanotechnology (INT), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems (IBCS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - Andres Jäschke
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Murat Sunbul
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology (IPMB), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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22
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Passalacqua LFM, Banco MT, Moon JD, Li X, Jaffrey SR, Ferré-D'Amaré AR. Intricate 3D architecture of a DNA mimic of GFP. Nature 2023; 618:1078-1084. [PMID: 37344591 PMCID: PMC10754392 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06229-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown how RNA molecules can adopt elaborate three-dimensional (3D) architectures1-3. By contrast, whether DNA can self-assemble into complex 3D folds capable of sophisticated biochemistry, independent of protein or RNA partners, has remained mysterious. Lettuce is an in vitro-evolved DNA molecule that binds and activates4 conditional fluorophores derived from GFP. To extend previous structural studies5,6 of fluorogenic RNAs, GFP and other fluorescent proteins7 to DNA, we characterize Lettuce-fluorophore complexes by X-ray crystallography and cryogenic electron microscopy. The results reveal that the 53-nucleotide DNA adopts a four-way junction (4WJ) fold. Instead of the canonical L-shaped or H-shaped structures commonly seen8 in 4WJ RNAs, the four stems of Lettuce form two coaxial stacks that pack co-linearly to form a central G-quadruplex in which the fluorophore binds. This fold is stabilized by stacking, extensive nucleobase hydrogen bonding-including through unusual diagonally stacked bases that bridge successive tiers of the main coaxial stacks of the DNA-and coordination of monovalent and divalent cations. Overall, the structure is more compact than many RNAs of comparable size. Lettuce demonstrates how DNA can form elaborate 3D structures without using RNA-like tertiary interactions and suggests that new principles of nucleic acid organization will be forthcoming from the analysis of complex DNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz F M Passalacqua
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Michael T Banco
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jared D Moon
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill-Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Xing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill-Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill-Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adrian R Ferré-D'Amaré
- Laboratory of Nucleic Acids, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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23
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Passalacqua LFM, Starich MR, Link KA, Wu J, Knutson JR, Tjandra N, Jaffrey SR, Ferré-D'Amaré AR. Co-crystal structures of the fluorogenic aptamer Beetroot show that close homology may not predict similar RNA architecture. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2969. [PMID: 37221204 PMCID: PMC10205801 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38683-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Beetroot is a homodimeric in vitro selected RNA that binds and activates DFAME, a conditional fluorophore derived from GFP. It is 70% sequence-identical to the previously characterized homodimeric aptamer Corn, which binds one molecule of its cognate fluorophore DFHO at its interprotomer interface. We have now determined the Beetroot-DFAME co-crystal structure at 1.95 Å resolution, discovering that this RNA homodimer binds two molecules of the fluorophore, at sites separated by ~30 Å. In addition to this overall architectural difference, the local structures of the non-canonical, complex quadruplex cores of Beetroot and Corn are distinctly different, underscoring how subtle RNA sequence differences can give rise to unexpected structural divergence. Through structure-guided engineering, we generated a variant that has a 12-fold fluorescence activation selectivity switch toward DFHO. Beetroot and this variant form heterodimers and constitute the starting point for engineered tags whose through-space inter-fluorophore interaction could be used to monitor RNA dimerization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz F M Passalacqua
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mary R Starich
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katie A Link
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill-Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
| | - Jay R Knutson
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nico Tjandra
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill-Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adrian R Ferré-D'Amaré
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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24
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Fang M, Li H, Xie X, Wang H, Jiang Y, Li T, Zhang B, Jiang X, Cao Y, Zhang R, Zhang D, Zhao Y, Zhu L, Chen X, Yang Y. Imaging intracellular metabolite and protein changes in live mammalian cells with bright fluorescent RNA-based genetically encoded sensors. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 235:115411. [PMID: 37236014 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent RNA (FR)-based genetically encoded sensors have been engineered to detect various essential metabolites in living systems. However, the unfavorable characteristics of FR impede sensor applications. Here, we describe a strategy for converting Pepper fluorescent RNA into a series of fluorescent sensors to detect their cognate targets both in vitro and in live cells. Compared to previously developed FR-based sensors, Pepper-based sensors exhibited expanded emission of up to 620 nm and markedly improved cellular brightness, allowing robust and real-time monitoring of the pharmacologic-triggered dynamics changes in the intracellular level of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and the optogenetic manipulated protein translocation in live mammalian cells. Furthermore, signal amplification in fluorescence imaging of the target was achieved using the CRISPR-display strategy by incorporating a Pepper-based sensor into the sgRNA scaffold. Together, these results demonstrate that Pepper can be readily developed into high-performance FR-based sensors to detect various cellular targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyue Fang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Huiwen Li
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xin Xie
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Tianyu Li
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Bibi Zhang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yueyang Cao
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Dasheng Zhang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhao
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Linyong Zhu
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dong Chuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xianjun Chen
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Yi Yang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China.
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25
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Jensen D, Manzano AR, Rector M, Tomko EJ, Record MT, Galburt EA. High-throughput, fluorescent-aptamer-based measurements of steady-state transcription rates for Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNA polymerase. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.13.532464. [PMID: 36993414 PMCID: PMC10054983 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.13.532464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The first step in gene expression is the transcription of DNA sequences into RNA. Regulation at the level of transcription leads to changes in steady-state concentrations of RNA transcripts, affecting the flux of downstream functions and ultimately cellular phenotypes. Changes in transcript levels are routinely followed in cellular contexts via genome-wide sequencing techniques. However, in vitro mechanistic studies of transcription have lagged with respect to throughput. Here, we describe the use of a real-time, fluorescent-aptamer-based method to quantitate steady-state transcription rates of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis RNA polymerase. We present clear controls to show that the assay specifically reports on promoter-dependent, full-length RNA transcription rates that are in good agreement with the kinetics determined by gel-resolved, α- 32 P NTP incorporation experiments. We illustrate how the time-dependent changes in fluorescence can be used to measure regulatory effects of nucleotide concentrations and identity, RNAP and DNA concentrations, transcription factors, and antibiotics. Our data showcase the ability to easily perform hundreds of parallel steady-state measurements across varying conditions with high precision and reproducibility to facilitate the study of the molecular mechanisms of bacterial transcription. Significance Statement RNA polymerase transcription mechanisms have largely been determined from in vitro kinetic and structural biology methods. In contrast to the limited throughput of these approaches, in vivo RNA sequencing provides genome-wide measurements but lacks the ability to dissect direct biochemical from indirect genetic mechanisms. Here, we present a method that bridges this gap, permitting high-throughput fluorescence-based measurements of in vitro steady-state transcription kinetics. We illustrate how an RNA-aptamer-based detection system can be used to generate quantitative information on direct mechanisms of transcriptional regulation and discuss the far-reaching implications for future applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drake Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63108, USA
| | - Ana Ruiz Manzano
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63108, USA
| | - Maxwell Rector
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Eric J. Tomko
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63108, USA
| | - M. Thomas Record
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Eric A. Galburt
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63108, USA
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26
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Endoh T, Tan JH, Chen SB, Sugimoto N. Cladogenetic Orthogonal Light-Up Aptamers for Simultaneous Detection of Multiple Small Molecules in Cells. Anal Chem 2023; 95:976-985. [PMID: 36541622 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c03598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent successes in construction of light-up RNA aptamers allowed fluorescence-based live-cell imaging of RNAs. In addition, light-up aptamers have been converted into signaling aptamers that enable fluorometric detection of small chemicals. To date, only a single target chemical has been detected at a time in cells. In this study, we selected cladogenetic orthogonal light-up aptamers that output three different colors from the RNA library having the same ligand binding core. Two of the three functioned in mammalian cells. These two aptamers, which fluoresce blue and green upon binding of cognate fluorogen, were converted into signaling aptamers. Using these signaling aptamers in combination with a previously described light-up aptamer with red fluorescence, we demonstrated simultaneous detection of multiple chemicals in living cells. The cladogenetic orthogonal light-up aptamers developed in this study and the simple strategy for rational designing of the signaling aptamers will provide innovative advances in the field of RNA-based bioimaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamaki Endoh
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe650-0047, Japan
| | - Jia-Heng Tan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510006, China
| | - Shuo-Bin Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou510006, China
| | - Naoki Sugimoto
- Frontier Institute for Biomolecular Engineering Research (FIBER), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe650-0047, Japan.,Graduate School of Frontiers of Innovative Research in Science and Technology (FIRST), Konan University, 7-1-20 Minatojima-minamimachi, Kobe650-0047, Japan
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27
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Soni R, Krishna AM, More SH, Sharma A. Reversible Modulation of Aptamer-Ligand Binding in RNA Light-Up Aptamers Containing G-Quadruplex Using Chemical Stimuli. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202200574. [PMID: 36352557 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202200574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Regulating a system in equilibrium transiently to out-of-equilibrium by using certain stimuli is the strategy used by natural biomolecules to function. Herein, we showed that the interaction of synthetic RNA aptamers, having a G-quadruplex core structure, with their corresponding ligands could be regulated from their equilibrium state to non-equilibrium state in a reversible manner using simple chemical stimuli (Ag+ and cysteine). The approach would be useful for designing aptamer regulators that work in a dynamic nucleic acid network, where a strict control on aptamer-ligand interaction is needed. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report which shows that RNA G-quadruplexes can be disrupted by the addition of silver ions. This would be useful not only in designing RNA-based sensors or regulators but would also be useful for understanding the role of metal ions in RNA folding and catalysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashi Soni
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Tirupati, 517507, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - A Murali Krishna
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Tirupati, 517507, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Shahaji H More
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Tirupati, 517507, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Ashwani Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Tirupati, 517507, Andhra Pradesh, India.,Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, Tirupati, 517507, Andhra Pradesh, India
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28
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Li J, Wang Y, Wang B, Lou J, Ni P, Jin Y, Chen S, Duan G, Zhang R. Application of CRISPR/Cas Systems in the Nucleic Acid Detection of Infectious Diseases. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12102455. [PMID: 36292145 PMCID: PMC9600689 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12102455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The CRISPR/Cas system is a protective adaptive immune system against attacks from foreign mobile genetic elements. Since the discovery of the excellent target-specific sequence recognition ability of the CRISPR/Cas system, the CRISPR/Cas system has shown excellent performance in the development of pathogen nucleic-acid-detection technology. In combination with various biosensing technologies, researchers have made many rapid, convenient, and feasible innovations in pathogen nucleic-acid-detection technology. With an in-depth understanding and development of the CRISPR/Cas system, it is no longer limited to CRISPR/Cas9, CRISPR/Cas12, and other systems that had been widely used in the past; other CRISPR/Cas families are designed for nucleic acid detection. We summarized the application of CRISPR/Cas-related technology in infectious-disease detection and its development in SARS-CoV-2 detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Li
- International School of Public Health and One Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570102, China
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yuexia Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Juan Lou
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Peng Ni
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yuefei Jin
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shuaiyin Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Guangcai Duan
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Rongguang Zhang
- International School of Public Health and One Health, First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570102, China
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
- Correspondence:
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29
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Recent advance of RNA aptamers and DNAzymes for MicroRNA detection. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 212:114423. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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30
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Dou WT, Han HH, Sedgwick AC, Zhu GB, Zang Y, Yang XR, Yoon J, James TD, Li J, He XP. Fluorescent probes for the detection of disease-associated biomarkers. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2022; 67:853-878. [PMID: 36546238 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2022.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent probes have emerged as indispensable chemical tools to the field of chemical biology and medicine. The ability to detect intracellular species and monitor physiological processes has not only advanced our knowledge in biology but has provided new approaches towards disease diagnosis. In this review, we detail the design criteria and strategies for some recently reported fluorescent probes that can detect a wide range of biologically important species in cells and in vivo. In doing so, we highlight the importance of each biological species and their role in biological systems and for disease progression. We then discuss the current problems and challenges of existing technologies and provide our perspective on the future directions of the research area. Overall, we hope this review will provide inspiration for researchers and prove as useful guide for the development of the next generation of fluorescent probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Tao Dou
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Hai-Hao Han
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Adam C Sedgwick
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-1224, USA
| | - Guo-Biao Zhu
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yi Zang
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xin-Rong Yang
- Department of Liver Surgery & Transplantation, Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Juyoung Yoon
- Department of Chemistry and Nanoscience, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tony D James
- Department of Chemistry, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China.
| | - Jia Li
- National Center for Drug Screening, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Xiao-Peng He
- Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials and Joint International Research Laboratory of Precision Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Feringa Nobel Prize Scientist Joint Research Center, Frontiers Center for Materiobiology and Dynamic Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China.
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31
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Fam KT, Pelletier R, Bouhedda F, Ryckelynck M, Collot M, Klymchenko AS. Rational Design of Self-Quenched Rhodamine Dimers as Fluorogenic Aptamer Probes for Live-Cell RNA Imaging. Anal Chem 2022; 94:6657-6664. [PMID: 35486532 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c04556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
With the growing interest in the understanding of the importance of RNAs in health and disease, detection of RNAs in living cells is of high importance. Fluorogenic dyes that light up specifically selected RNA aptamers constitute an attractive direction in the design of RNA imaging probes. In this work, based on our recently proposed concept of a fluorogenic dimer, we aim to develop a robust molecular tool for intracellular RNA imaging. We rationally designed a fluorogenic self-quenched dimer (orange Gemini, o-Gemini) based on rhodamine and evaluated its capacity to light up its cognate aptamer o-Coral in solution and live cells. We found that the removal of biotin from the dimer slightly improved the fluorogenic response without losing the affinity to the cognate aptamer (o-Coral). On the other hand, replacing sulforhodamine with a carboxyrhodamine produced drastic improvement of the affinity and the turn-on response to o-Coral and, thus, a better limit of detection. In live cells expressing o-Coral-tagged RNAs, the carboxyrhodamine analogue of o-Gemini without a biotin unit displayed a higher signal as well as faster internalization into the cells. We suppose that less hydrophilic carboxyrhodamine compared to sulforhodamine can more readily penetrate through the cell plasma membrane and, together with its higher affinity to o-Coral, provide the observed improvement in the imaging experiments. The promiscuity of the o-Coral RNA aptamer to the fluorogenic dimer allowed us to tune a fluorogen chemical structure and thus drastically improve the fluorescence response of the probe to o-Coral-tagged RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyong Tkhe Fam
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, CNRS UMR 7021, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Rémi Pelletier
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, CNRS UMR 7021, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Farah Bouhedda
- CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Université de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Michael Ryckelynck
- CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Université de Strasbourg, F-67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Mayeul Collot
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, CNRS UMR 7021, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Andrey S Klymchenko
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, CNRS UMR 7021, Université de Strasbourg, 67401 Illkirch, France
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32
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Organelle-targeted imaging based on fluorogen-activating RNA aptamers in living cells. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1209:339816. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.339816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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33
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Climent-Catala A, Ouldridge TE, Stan GBV, Bae W. Building an RNA-Based Toggle Switch Using Inhibitory RNA Aptamers. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:562-569. [PMID: 35133150 PMCID: PMC9007568 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.1c00580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
![]()
Synthetic
RNA systems offer unique advantages such as faster response,
increased specificity, and programmability compared to conventional
protein-based networks. Here, we demonstrate an in vitro RNA-based toggle switch using RNA aptamers capable of inhibiting
the transcriptional activity of T7 or SP6 RNA polymerases. The activities
of both polymerases are monitored simultaneously by using Broccoli
and malachite green light-up aptamer systems. In our toggle switch,
a T7 promoter drives the expression of SP6 inhibitory aptamers, and
an SP6 promoter expresses T7 inhibitory aptamers. We show that the
two distinct states originating from the mutual inhibition of aptamers
can be toggled by adding DNA sequences to sequester the RNA inhibitory
aptamers. Finally, we assessed our RNA-based toggle switch in degrading
conditions by introducing controlled degradation of RNAs using a mix
of RNases. Our results demonstrate that the RNA-based toggle switch
could be used as a control element for nucleic acid networks in synthetic
biology applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Climent-Catala
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Thomas E. Ouldridge
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Guy-Bart V. Stan
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Wooli Bae
- Imperial College Centre for Synthetic Biology, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
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34
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Zheng G, Zhao L, Yuan D, Li J, Yang G, Song D, Miao H, Shu L, Mo X, Xu X, Li L, Song X, Zhao Y. A genetically encoded fluorescent biosensor for monitoring ATP in living cells with heterobifunctional aptamers. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 198:113827. [PMID: 34861524 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Visualizing the dynamics of ATP in living cells is key to understanding cellular energy metabolism and related diseases. However, the live-cell applications of current methods are still limited due to challenges in biological compatibility and sensitivity to pH. Herein, a novel label-free fluorescent " turn-on " biosensor for monitoring ATP in living bacterias and mammalian cells was developed. This biosensor (Broc-ATP) employed heterobifunctional aptamers to detect ATP with high sensitivity in vitro. In our system, a very useful tandem method was established by combining four Broc-ATPs with 3 × F30 three-way junction scaffold to construct an intracellular biosensor that achieves sufficient fluorescence to respond to intracellular ATP. This intracellular biosensor can be used for sensitive and specific dynamic imaging of ATP in mammalian cells. Hence, this genetically encoded biosensor provides a robust and efficient tool for the detection of intracellular ATP dynamics and 3 × F30 tandem method expands the application of heterobifunctional aptamers in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoliang Zheng
- Center for Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, PR China
| | - Liang Zhao
- Center for Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, PR China
| | - Deyu Yuan
- Center for Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, PR China
| | - Jia Li
- Center for Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, PR China
| | - Gang Yang
- Center for Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, PR China
| | - Danxia Song
- Center for Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, PR China
| | - Hui Miao
- Center for Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, PR China
| | - Linjuan Shu
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Xianming Mo
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Xiaoding Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Medical Research Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, PR China
| | - Ling Li
- Center for Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, PR China.
| | - Xu Song
- Center for Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, PR China.
| | - Yongyun Zhao
- Center for Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, College of Life Science, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610064, PR China.
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35
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Monitoring Molecular Properties of a Fluorescence Light-Up Aptamer Using Fluorescence Cross-Correlation Spectroscopy. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12042002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescence light-up aptamers (FLAPs) are tools for RNA imaging, wherein the RNA of interest is appended with a FLAP sequence that can bind to a corresponding small-molecule fluorogen and enhance its fluorescence. The fluorescence properties of FLAPs have mostly been analyzed in bulk and described as the average of a large number of RNA–fluorogen complexes. In this study, we evaluated the feasibility of fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS)- and fluorescence cross-correlation spectroscopy (FCCS)-based quantifications of FLAPs in a solution using Broccoli, a common FLAP, and its corresponding fluorogen, DFHBI-1T. We investigated the folding efficiency, photostability, and photophysical properties of the Broccoli–DFHBI-1T complex using their FCS/FCCS characteristics. With FCS, we observed that the fluorescence was affected by the affinity between Broccoli and DFHBI-1T and the folding (maturation) state of Broccoli RNA. Moreover, the FCCS measurement of ATTO647N-labeled Broccoli and its complex with DFHBI-1T revealed the proportion of the mature Broccoli–DFHBI-1T complex. The current FCS/FCCS-based study of Broccoli–DFHBI-1T provides a model for analyzing FLAPs and their fluorogen pairs at the single-molecule level.
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36
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Fang X, Li W, Gao T, Ain Zahra QU, Luo Z, Pei R. Rapid screening of aptamers for fluorescent targets by integrated digital PCR and flow cytometry. Talanta 2022; 242:123302. [PMID: 35180537 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2022.123302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, we report the development of a new strategy termed integrated digital PCR-fluorescence activated sorting based SELEX (IFS-SELEX) that enables rapid screening of aptamers against fluorescent targets. Initially, this strategy employs an integrated digital PCR system to amplify each sequence of a preliminarily enriched library, which is obtained by a traditional SELEX method, on the surface of polystyrene beads. Then, the as-prepared beads are incubated with the fluorescent target and then subjected to fluorescence-activated sorting. Since only those sequences with high binding affinity for the target are collected and sequenced, unnecessary analysis of ineligible sequences is avoided by this method, and the aptamer selection process is thereby greatly streamlined. As a proof-of-concept, we applied this strategy for the screening of aptamers against two fluorescent targets, i.e., ciprofloxacin (CFX) and thioflavin T (ThT), and successfully obtained corresponding sequences with low dissociation constants. The binding affinities of aptamers for ThT were well associated with the sorting regions defined in the fluorescence channel of the flow cytometry process. The experimental results demonstrated that the as-designed IFS-SELEX method can serve as a universal platform for rapid, facile, and efficient aptamer selection against various fluorescent targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaona Fang
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Tian Gao
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Qurat Ul Ain Zahra
- Biomedical Imaging Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230026, China; The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China
| | - Zhaofeng Luo
- The Key Laboratory of Zhejiang Province for Aptamers and Theranostics, Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, 310022, China.
| | - Renjun Pei
- School of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China; CAS Key Laboratory for Nano-Bio Interface, Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, 215123, China.
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37
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The fluorescent aptamer Squash extensively repurposes the adenine riboswitch fold. Nat Chem Biol 2022; 18:191-198. [PMID: 34937911 PMCID: PMC9812287 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-021-00931-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Squash is an RNA aptamer that strongly activates the fluorescence of small-molecule analogs of the fluorophore of green fluorescent protein (GFP). Unlike other fluorogenic aptamers, isolated de novo from random-sequence RNA, Squash was evolved from the bacterial adenine riboswitch to leverage its optimized in vivo folding and stability. We now report the 2.7-Å resolution cocrystal structure of fluorophore-bound Squash, revealing that while the overall fold of the riboswitch is preserved, the architecture of the ligand-binding core is dramatically transformed. Unlike previously characterized aptamers that activate GFP-derived fluorophores, Squash does not harbor a G-quadruplex, sandwiching its fluorophore between a base triple and a noncanonical base quadruple in a largely apolar pocket. The expanded structural core of Squash allows it to recognize unnatural fluorophores that are larger than the simple purine ligand of the parental adenine riboswitch, and suggests that stable RNA scaffolds can tolerate larger variation than has hitherto been appreciated.
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38
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Xue Y, Liu Y. Incorporation of a FRET Pair into a Riboswitch RNA to Measure Mg 2+ Concentration and RNA Conformational Change in Cell. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031493. [PMID: 35163416 PMCID: PMC8835884 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Riboswitches are natural biosensors that can regulate gene expression by sensing small molecules. Knowledge of the structural dynamics of riboswitches is crucial to elucidate their regulatory mechanism and develop RNA biosensors. In this work, we incorporated the fluorophore, Cy3, and its quencher, TQ3, into a full-length adenine riboswitch RNA and its isolated aptamer domain to monitor the dynamics of the RNAs in vitro and in cell. The adenine riboswitch was sensitive to Mg2+ concentrations and could be used as a biosensor to measure cellular Mg2+ concentrations. Additionally, the TQ3/Cy3-labeled adenine riboswitch yielded a Mg2+ concentration that was similar to that measured using a commercial assay kit. Furthermore, the fluorescence response to the adenine of the TQ3/Cy3-labeled riboswitch RNA was applied to determine the proportions of multiple RNA conformational changes in cells. The strategy developed in this work can be used to probe the dynamics of other RNAs in cells and may facilitate the developments of RNA biosensors, drugs and engineering.
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Xu T, Sun Y, Yu S, Wu S, Su Y, Tian Y, Zhou Y, Zhu JJ. A fluorogenic RNA aptamer nanodevice for the low background imaging of mRNA in living cells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:1354-1357. [PMID: 34988573 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc06582c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A fluorogenic RNA aptamer nanodevice integrating an entropy-driven RNA amplifier with near-infrared (NIR) light control was developed, affording high contrast and sensitivity for imaging low-abundance mRNA in living cells. The design principle offers a new approach for developing low-background imaging systems for live-cell studies and manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Sha Yu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China.
| | - Shaojun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yu Su
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Ye Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China. .,Shenzhen Research Institute of Nanjing University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Yuanzhen Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China.
| | - Jun-Jie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China. .,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China.
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40
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Egloff S, Melnychuk N, Cruz Da Silva E, Reisch A, Martin S, Klymchenko AS. Amplified Fluorescence in Situ Hybridization by Small and Bright Dye-Loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles. ACS NANO 2022; 16:1381-1394. [PMID: 34928570 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c09409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Detection and imaging of RNA at the single-cell level is of utmost importance for fundamental research and clinical diagnostics. Current techniques of RNA analysis, including fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), are long, complex, and expensive. Here, we report a methodology of amplified FISH (AmpliFISH) that enables simpler and faster RNA imaging using small and ultrabright dye-loaded polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized with DNA. We found that the small size of NPs (below 20 nm) was essential for their access to the intracellular mRNA targets in fixed permeabilized cells. Moreover, proper selection of the polymer matrix of DNA-NPs minimized nonspecific intracellular interactions. Optimized DNA-NPs enabled sequence-specific imaging of different mRNA targets (survivin, actin, and polyA tails), using a simple 1 h staining protocol. Encapsulation of cyanine and rhodamine dyes with bulky counterions yielded green-, red-, and far-red-emitting NPs that were 2-100-fold brighter than corresponding quantum dots. These NPs enabled multiplexed detection of three mRNA targets simultaneously, showing distinctive mRNA expression profiles in three cancer cell lines. Image analysis confirmed the single-particle nature of the intracellular signal, suggesting single-molecule sensitivity of the method. AmpliFISH was found to be semiquantitative, correlating with RT-qPCR. In comparison with the commercial locked nucleic acid (LNA)-based FISH technique, AmpliFISH provides 8-200-fold stronger signal (dependent on the NP color) and requires only three steps vs ∼20 steps together with a much shorter time. Thus, combination of bright fluorescent polymeric NPs with FISH yields a fast and sensitive single-cell transcriptomic analysis method for RNA research and clinical diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Egloff
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 74, Route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Nina Melnychuk
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 74, Route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Elisabete Cruz Da Silva
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 74, Route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Andreas Reisch
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 74, Route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Sophie Martin
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 74, Route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Andrey S Klymchenko
- Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, UMR 7021 CNRS, Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Strasbourg, 74, Route du Rhin, 67401 Illkirch, France
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41
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Fluorogenic RNA aptamers to probe transcription initiation and co-transcriptional RNA folding by multi-subunit RNA polymerases. Methods Enzymol 2022; 675:207-233. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2022.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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42
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Hong Y, Kim DE, Park YJ, Kim DM, Byun JY, Shin YB. MicroRNA detection using light-up aptamer amplification based on nuclease protection transcription. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:2359-2362. [DOI: 10.1039/d1cc06599h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The quantification of microRNAs (miRNAs) is important because the miRNA expression level is closely associated with the occurrence and development of diseases. Here, we report a simple nuclease protection transcription...
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43
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Mohamed HI, Gao C, Gui Z, Song Z, Wei D. A novel fluorescent probe with a pyrazolo[4,3- c]quinoline core selectively recognizes c-MYC promoter G-quadruplexes. NEW J CHEM 2022. [DOI: 10.1039/d1nj00098e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
An aptamer combined with a c-MYC-selective fluorophore could work as the fluorescent core of nucleic acid mimics of fluorescent proteins to locate and image functional biomolecules in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany I. Mohamed
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt
| | - Chao Gao
- College of Plant Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Zhikun Gui
- College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Zibing Song
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
- College of Science, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Dengguo Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Interdisciplinary Sciences Institute, National Reference Laboratory of Veterinary Drug Residues (HZAU) and MAO Key Laboratory for Detection of Veterinary Drug Residues, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
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44
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45
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Huang K, Chen X, Li C, Song Q, Li H, Zhu L, Yang Y, Ren A. Structure-based investigation of fluorogenic Pepper aptamer. Nat Chem Biol 2021; 17:1289-1295. [PMID: 34725509 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-021-00884-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Pepper fluorescent RNAs are a recently reported bright, stable and multicolor fluorogenic aptamer tag that enable imaging of diverse RNAs in live cells. To investigate the molecular basis of the superior properties of Pepper, we determined the structures of complexes of Pepper aptamer bound with its cognate HBC or HBC-like fluorophores at high resolution by X-ray crystallography. The Pepper aptamer folds in a monomeric non-G-quadruplex tuning-fork-like architecture composed of a helix and one protruded junction region. The near-planar fluorophore molecule intercalates in the middle of the structure and is sandwiched between one non-G-quadruplex base quadruple and one noncanonical G·U wobble helical base pair. In addition, structure-based mutational analysis is evaluated by in vitro and live-cell fluorogenic detection. Taken together, our research provides a structural basis for demystifying the fluorescence activation mechanism of Pepper aptamer and for further improvement of its future application in RNA visualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiyi Huang
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xianjun Chen
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qianqian Song
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huiwen Li
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Linyong Zhu
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi Yang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China. .,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Aiming Ren
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
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46
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Peng Y, Huang X, Huang T, Du F, Cui X, Tang Z. Combining protein and RNA quantification to evaluate promoter activity by using dual-color fluorescent reporting systems. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:BSR20211525. [PMID: 34467968 PMCID: PMC8433482 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20211525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Herein, Broccoli/mCherry and an EGFP/mCherry dual-color fluorescent reporting systems have been established to quantify the promoter activity at transcription and translation levels in eukaryotic cells. Based on those systems, four commonly used promoters (CMV and SV40 of Pol II and U6, H1 of Pol III) were accurately evaluated at both the transcriptional and translational levels by combining accurate protein and RNA quantification. Furthermore, we verified that Pol III promoters can induce proteins expression, and Pol II promoter can be applied to express RNA molecules with defined length by combining a self-cleaving ribozyme and an artificial poly(A) tail. The dual-color fluorescence reporting systems described here could play a significant role in evaluating other gene expression regulators for gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Peng
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
- Savaid Medical School, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P.R. China
| | - Xin Huang
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Tianfang Huang
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Feng Du
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xin Cui
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Zhuo Tang
- Natural Products Research Center, Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
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47
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Nienhaus K, Nienhaus GU. Fluorescent proteins of the EosFP clade: intriguing marker tools with multiple photoactivation modes for advanced microscopy. RSC Chem Biol 2021; 2:796-814. [PMID: 34458811 PMCID: PMC8341165 DOI: 10.1039/d1cb00014d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Optical fluorescence microscopy has taken center stage in the exploration of biological structure and dynamics, especially on live specimens, and super-resolution imaging methods continue to deliver exciting new insights into the molecular foundations of life. Progress in the field, however, crucially hinges on advances in fluorescent marker technology. Among these, fluorescent proteins (FPs) of the GFP family are advantageous because they are genetically encodable, so that live cells, tissues or organisms can produce these markers all by themselves. A subclass of them, photoactivatable FPs, allow for control of their fluorescence emission by light irradiation, enabling pulse-chase imaging and super-resolution microscopy. In this review, we discuss FP variants of the EosFP clade that have been optimized by amino acid sequence modification to serve as markers for various imaging techniques. In general, two different modes of photoactivation are found, reversible photoswitching between a fluorescent and a nonfluorescent state and irreversible green-to red photoconversion. First, we describe their basic structural and optical properties. We then summarize recent research aimed at elucidating the photochemical processes underlying photoactivation. Finally, we briefly introduce various advanced imaging methods facilitated by specific EosFP variants, and show some exciting sample applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Nienhaus
- Institute of Applied Physics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology 76049 Karlsruhe Germany
| | - Gerd Ulrich Nienhaus
- Institute of Applied Physics, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology 76049 Karlsruhe Germany
- Institute of Nanotechnology, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology 76021 Karlsruhe Germany
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology 76021 Karlsruhe Germany
- Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Urbana IL 61801 USA
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48
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Gerasimova YV, Nedorezova DD, Kolpashchikov DM. Split light up aptamers as a probing tool for nucleic acids. Methods 2021; 197:82-88. [PMID: 33992774 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2021.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aptamers that bind non-fluorescent dyes and increase their fluorescence can be converted to fluorescent sensors. Here, we discuss and provide guidance for the design of split (binary) light up aptameric sensors (SLAS) for nucleic acid analysis. SLAS consist of two RNA or DNA strands and a fluorogenic organic dye added as a buffer component. The two strands hybridize to the analyzed DNA or RNA sequence and form a dye-binding pocket, followed by dye binding, and increase in its fluorescence. SLAS can detect nucleic acids in a cost-efficient label-free format since it does not require conjugation of organic dyes with nucleic acids. SLAS design is preferable over monolith fluorescent sensors due to simpler assay optimization and improved selectivity. RNA-based SLAS can be expressed in cells and used for intracellular monitoring and imaging biological molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia V Gerasimova
- University of Central Florida, Chemistry Department, 4111 Libra Drive, Physical Sciences 255, Orlando, FL 32816-2366, United States.
| | - Daria D Nedorezova
- Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, ChemBio Cluster, SCAMT Institute, ITMO University, 9 Lomonosova Str., Saint Petersburg 191002, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitry M Kolpashchikov
- University of Central Florida, Chemistry Department, 4111 Libra Drive, Physical Sciences 255, Orlando, FL 32816-2366, United States; Laboratory of Molecular Robotics and Biosensor Materials, ChemBio Cluster, SCAMT Institute, ITMO University, 9 Lomonosova Str., Saint Petersburg 191002, Russian Federation.
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49
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A malachite green light-up aptasensor for the detection of theophylline. Talanta 2021; 232:122417. [PMID: 34074405 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Biosensors are of interest for the quantitative detection of small molecules (metabolites, drugs and contaminants for instance). To this end, fluorescence is a widely used technique that is easily associated to aptamers. Light-up aptamers constitute a particular class of oligonucleotides that, specifically induce fluorescence emission when binding to cognate fluorogenic ligands such as malachite green (MG). We engineered a dual aptasensor for theophylline (Th) based on the combination of switching hairpin aptamers specific for MG on the one hand and for Th on the other hand, hence their names: malaswitch (Msw) and theoswitch (Thsw). The two aptaswitches form a loop-loop or kissing Msw-Thsw complex only in the presence of theophylline, allowing binding of MG, subsequently generating a fluorescent signal. The combination of the best Msw and Thsw variants, MswG12 and Thsw19.1, results in a 20-fold fluorescence enhancement of MG at saturating theophylline concentration. This aptasensor discriminates between theophylline and its analogues caffeine and theobromine. Kissing aptaswitches derived from light-up aptamers constitute a novel sensing device.
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50
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Abstract
Technologies for RNA imaging in live cells play an important role in understanding the function and regulatory process of RNAs. One approach for genetically encoded fluorescent RNA imaging involves fluorescent light-up aptamers (FLAPs), which are short RNA sequences that can bind cognate fluorogens and activate their fluorescence greatly. Over the past few years, FLAPs have emerged as genetically encoded RNA-based fluorescent biosensors for the cellular imaging and detection of various targets of interest. In this review, we first give a brief overview of the development of the current FLAPs based on various fluorogens. Then we further discuss on the photocycles of the reversibly photoswitching properties in FLAPs and their photostability. Finally, we focus on the applications of FLAPs as genetically encoded RNA-based fluorescent biosensors in biosensing and bioimaging, including RNA, non-nucleic acid molecules, metal ions imaging and quantitative imaging. Their design strategies and recent cellular applications are emphasized and summarized in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huangmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sanjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.,NYU-ECNU Institute of Physics at NYU Shanghai, Shanghai, China
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