1
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Koksaldi I, Park D, Atilla A, Kang H, Kim J, Seker UOS. RNA-Based Sensor Systems for Affordable Diagnostics in the Age of Pandemics. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:1026-1037. [PMID: 38588603 PMCID: PMC11036506 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00698] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, the significance of point-of-care (POC) diagnostic tools has become increasingly vital, driven by the need for quick and precise virus identification. RNA-based sensors, particularly toehold sensors, have emerged as promising candidates for POC detection systems due to their selectivity and sensitivity. Toehold sensors operate by employing an RNA switch that changes the conformation when it binds to a target RNA molecule, resulting in a detectable signal. This review focuses on the development and deployment of RNA-based sensors for POC viral RNA detection with a particular emphasis on toehold sensors. The benefits and limits of toehold sensors are explored, and obstacles and future directions for improving their performance within POC detection systems are presented. The use of RNA-based sensors as a technology for rapid and sensitive detection of viral RNA holds great potential for effectively managing (dealing/coping) with present and future pandemics in resource-constrained settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilkay
Cisil Koksaldi
- UNAM
− Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National
Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent
University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Dongwon Park
- Department
of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science
and Technology, Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Abdurahman Atilla
- UNAM
− Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National
Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent
University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
| | - Hansol Kang
- Department
of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science
and Technology, Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Jongmin Kim
- Department
of Life Sciences, Pohang University of Science
and Technology, Pohang 37673, South Korea
| | - Urartu Ozgur Safak Seker
- UNAM
− Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, National
Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM), Bilkent
University, Ankara 06800, Turkey
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2
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Mumbleau M, Chevance F, Hughes K, Hammond MC. Investigating the Effect of RNA Scaffolds on the Multicolor Fluorogenic Aptamer Pepper in Different Bacterial Species. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:1093-1099. [PMID: 38593047 PMCID: PMC11037261 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00009] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
RNA synthetic biology tools have primarily been applied in E. coli; however, many other bacteria are of industrial and clinical significance. Thus, the multicolor fluorogenic aptamer Pepper was evaluated in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Suitable HBC-Pepper dye pairs were identified that give blue, green, or red fluorescence signals in the E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). Furthermore, we found that different RNA scaffolds have a drastic effect on in vivo fluorescence, which did not correlate with the in vitro folding efficiency. One such scaffold termed DF30-tRNA displays 199-fold greater fluorescence than the Pepper aptamer alone and permits simultaneous dual color imaging in live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline
M. Mumbleau
- Department
of Chemistry and Henry Eyring Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Fabienne Chevance
- School
of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Kelly Hughes
- School
of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Ming C. Hammond
- Department
of Chemistry and Henry Eyring Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
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3
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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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4
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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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5
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Gerber A, van Otterdijk S, Bruggeman FJ, Tutucci E. Understanding spatiotemporal coupling of gene expression using single molecule RNA imaging technologies. Transcription 2023; 14:105-126. [PMID: 37050882 PMCID: PMC10807504 DOI: 10.1080/21541264.2023.2199669] [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: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Across all kingdoms of life, gene regulatory mechanisms underlie cellular adaptation to ever-changing environments. Regulation of gene expression adjusts protein synthesis and, in turn, cellular growth. Messenger RNAs are key molecules in the process of gene expression. Our ability to quantitatively measure mRNA expression in single cells has improved tremendously over the past decades. This revealed an unexpected coordination between the steps that control the life of an mRNA, from transcription to degradation. Here, we provide an overview of the state-of-the-art imaging approaches for measurement and quantitative understanding of gene expression, starting from the early visualizations of single genes by electron microscopy to current fluorescence-based approaches in single cells, including live-cell RNA-imaging approaches to FISH-based spatial transcriptomics across model organisms. We also highlight how these methods have shaped our current understanding of the spatiotemporal coupling between transcriptional and post-transcriptional events in prokaryotes. We conclude by discussing future challenges of this multidisciplinary field.Abbreviations: mRNA: messenger RNA; rRNA: ribosomal rDNA; tRNA: transfer RNA; sRNA: small RNA; FISH: fluorescence in situ hybridization; RNP: ribonucleoprotein; smFISH: single RNA molecule FISH; smiFISH: single molecule inexpensive FISH; HCR-FISH: Hybridization Chain-Reaction-FISH; RCA: Rolling Circle Amplification; seqFISH: Sequential FISH; MERFISH: Multiplexed error robust FISH; UTR: Untranslated region; RBP: RNA binding protein; FP: fluorescent protein; eGFP: enhanced GFP, MCP: MS2 coat protein; PCP: PP7 coat protein; MB: Molecular beacons; sgRNA: single guide RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Gerber
- Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sander van Otterdijk
- Systems Biology Lab, A-LIFE department, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J. Bruggeman
- Systems Biology Lab, A-LIFE department, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Evelina Tutucci
- Systems Biology Lab, A-LIFE department, Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences (AIMMS), Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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6
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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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7
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Liang Y, Willey S, Chung YC, Lo YM, Miao S, Rundell S, Tu LC, Bong D. Intracellular RNA and DNA tracking by uridine-rich internal loop tagging with fluorogenic bPNA. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2987. [PMID: 37225690 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38579-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The most widely used method for intracellular RNA fluorescence labeling is MS2 labeling, which generally relies on the use of multiple protein labels targeted to multiple RNA (MS2) hairpin structures installed on the RNA of interest (ROI). While effective and conveniently applied in cell biology labs, the protein labels add significant mass to the bound RNA, which potentially impacts steric accessibility and native RNA biology. We have previously demonstrated that internal, genetically encoded, uridine-rich internal loops (URILs) comprised of four contiguous UU pairs (8 nt) in RNA may be targeted with minimal structural perturbation by triplex hybridization with 1 kD bifacial peptide nucleic acids (bPNAs). A URIL-targeting strategy for RNA and DNA tracking would avoid the use of cumbersome protein fusion labels and minimize structural alterations to the RNA of interest. Here we show that URIL-targeting fluorogenic bPNA probes in cell media can penetrate cell membranes and effectively label RNAs and RNPs in fixed and live cells. This method, which we call fluorogenic U-rich internal loop (FLURIL) tagging, was internally validated through the use of RNAs bearing both URIL and MS2 labeling sites. Notably, a direct comparison of CRISPR-dCas labeled genomic loci in live U2OS cells revealed that FLURIL-tagged gRNA yielded loci with signal to background up to 7X greater than loci targeted by guide RNA modified with an array of eight MS2 hairpins. Together, these data show that FLURIL tagging provides a versatile scope of intracellular RNA and DNA tracking while maintaining a light molecular footprint and compatibility with existing methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Liang
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sydney Willey
- Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yu-Chieh Chung
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yi-Meng Lo
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shiqin Miao
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sarah Rundell
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Li-Chun Tu
- Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Department of Biological Chemistry and Pharmacology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Dennis Bong
- Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Center for RNA Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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8
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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9
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Chen W, Zhao X, Yang N, Li X. Single mRNA Imaging with Fluorogenic RNA Aptamers and Small-molecule Fluorophores. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202209813. [PMID: 36420710 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202209813] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is the fundamental information transfer system in the cell. Tracking single mRNA from transcription to degradation with fluorescent probes provides spatiotemporal information in cells about how the genetic information is transferred from DNA to proteins. The traditional single mRNA imaging approach utilizes RNA hairpins (e.g. MS2) and tethered fluorescent protein as probes. As an exciting alternative, RNA aptamers: small-molecule fluorophores (SFs) systems have emerged as novel single mRNA imaging probes since 2019, exhibiting several advantages including fluorogenic ability and minimal perturbation. This review summarizes all five reported RNA aptamers: SFs systems for single mRNA imaging in living cells so far. It also discusses the challenges and provides prospects for single mRNA imaging applications. This review is expected to inspire researchers to develop RNA aptamers: SFs systems for studying gene expression at single-molecule resolution in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, the Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.,Beijing Institutes of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiaoying Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Nanyang Yang
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, the Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Xing Li
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100101, China
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10
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Trachman RJ, Link KA, Knutson JR, Ferré-D'Amaré AR. Characterizing Fluorescence Properties of Turn-on RNA Aptamers. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2568:25-36. [PMID: 36227560 PMCID: PMC9812286 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2687-0_3] [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] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescent RNA aptamers are tools for studying RNA localization and interactions in vivo. The photophysical properties of these in vitro selected RNAs should be characterized prior to cellular imaging experiments. Here, we describe the process of determining the fluorophore affinity, fluorescence enhancement, and fluorescence lifetime(s) of the Mango-III fluorescence turn-on aptamer. Parameters determined through these protocols will aid in establishing conditions for live-cell imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Trachman
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Katie A Link
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jay R Knutson
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Adrian R Ferré-D'Amaré
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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11
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Tingey M, Schnell SJ, Yu W, Saredy J, Junod S, Patel D, Alkurdi AA, Yang W. Technologies Enabling Single-Molecule Super-Resolution Imaging of mRNA. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193079. [PMID: 36231040 PMCID: PMC9564294 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The transient nature of RNA has rendered it one of the more difficult biological targets for imaging. This difficulty stems both from the physical properties of RNA as well as the temporal constraints associated therewith. These concerns are further complicated by the difficulty in imaging endogenous RNA within a cell that has been transfected with a target sequence. These concerns, combined with traditional concerns associated with super-resolution light microscopy has made the imaging of this critical target difficult. Recent advances have provided researchers the tools to image endogenous RNA in live cells at both the cellular and single-molecule level. Here, we review techniques used for labeling and imaging RNA with special emphases on various labeling methods and a virtual 3D super-resolution imaging technique.
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12
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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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13
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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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14
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15
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Wang C, Chi W, Qiao Q, Tan D, Xu Z, Liu X. Twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) and twists beyond TICT: from mechanisms to rational designs of bright and sensitive fluorophores. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:12656-12678. [PMID: 34633008 DOI: 10.1039/d1cs00239b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The twisted intramolecular charge transfer (TICT) mechanism has guided the development of numerous bright and sensitive fluorophores. This review briefly overviews the history of establishing the TICT mechanism, and systematically summarizes the molecular design strategies in modulating the TICT tendency of various organic fluorophores towards different applications, along with key milestone studies and representative examples. Additionally, we also succinctly review the twisted intramolecular charge shuttle (TICS) and twists during photoinduced electron transfer (PET), and compare their similarities and differences with TICT, with emphasis on understanding the structure-property relationships between the twisted geometries and how they can directly affect the fluorescence of the molecules. Such structure-property relationships presented herein will greatly aid the rational development of fluorophores that involve molecular twisting in the excited state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China. .,Fluorescence Research Group, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Road, 487372, Singapore.
| | - Weijie Chi
- Fluorescence Research Group, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Road, 487372, Singapore.
| | - Qinglong Qiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Davin Tan
- Fluorescence Research Group, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Road, 487372, Singapore.
| | - Zhaochao Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 457 Zhongshan Road, Dalian 116023, China.
| | - Xiaogang Liu
- Fluorescence Research Group, Singapore University of Technology and Design, 8 Somapah Road, 487372, Singapore.
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16
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Huang Z, Niu L. RNA aptamers for AMPA receptors. Neuropharmacology 2021; 199:108761. [PMID: 34509496 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
RNA aptamers are single-stranded RNA molecules, and they are selected against a target of interest so that they can bind to and modulate the activity of the target, such as inhibiting the target activity, with high potency and selectivity. Antagonists, such as RNA aptamers, acting on AMPA receptors, a major subtype of ionotropic glutamate receptors, are potential drug candidates for treatment of a number of CNS diseases that involve excessive receptor activation and/or elevated receptor expression. Here we review the approach to discover RNA aptamers targeting AMPA receptors from a random sequence library (∼1014 sequences) through a process called systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). As compared with small-molecule compounds, RNA aptamers are a new class of regulatory agents with interesting and desirable pharmacological properties. Some AMPA receptor aptamers we have developed are presented in this review. The promises and challenges of translating RNA aptamers into potential drugs and treatment options are also discussed. This article is part of the special Issue on 'Glutamate Receptors - AMPA receptors'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- Chemistry Department, Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY), Albany, NY, USA
| | - Li Niu
- Chemistry Department, Center for Neuroscience Research, University at Albany, State University of New York (SUNY), Albany, NY, USA.
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17
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Chakravarthy A, Nandakumar A, George G, Ranganathan S, Umashankar S, Shettigar N, Palakodeti D, Gulyani A, Ramesh A. Engineered RNA biosensors enable ultrasensitive SARS-CoV-2 detection in a simple color and luminescence assay. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 4:4/12/e202101213. [PMID: 34593555 PMCID: PMC8500229 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
This work reports engineered toehold RNA–based biosensors for COVID-19 diagnostics, with a simple color or luminescence readout that makes it easily deployable in both well-equipped labs as well as low resource settings. The continued resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic with multiple variants underlines the need for diagnostics that are adaptable to the virus. We have developed toehold RNA–based sensors across the SARS-CoV-2 genome for direct and ultrasensitive detection of the virus and its prominent variants. Here, isothermal amplification of a fragment of SARS-CoV-2 RNA coupled with activation of our biosensors leads to a conformational switch in the sensor. This leads to translation of a reporter protein, for example, LacZ or nano-lantern that is easily detected using color/luminescence. By optimizing RNA amplification and biosensor design, we have generated a highly sensitive diagnostic assay that is capable of detecting as low as 100 copies of viral RNA with development of bright color. This is easily visualized by the human eye and quantifiable using spectrophotometry. Finally, this PHAsed NASBA-Translation Optical Method (PHANTOM) using our engineered RNA biosensors efficiently detects viral RNA in patient samples. This work presents a powerful and universally accessible strategy for detecting COVID-19 and variants. This strategy is adaptable to further viral evolution and brings RNA bioengineering center-stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirudh Chakravarthy
- InStem-Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India.,SASTRA University, Tirumalaisamudram, Thanjavur, India
| | - Anirudh Nandakumar
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore, India.,Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology, Bangalore, India
| | - Geen George
- InStem-Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | | | | | - Nishan Shettigar
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore, India
| | - Dasaradhi Palakodeti
- InStem-Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Akash Gulyani
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad, India
| | - Arati Ramesh
- National Centre for Biological Sciences, GKVK Campus, Bangalore, India
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18
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Chen J, Li N, Wang X, Chen J, Zhang JZH, Zhu T. Molecular mechanism related to the binding of fluorophores to Mango-II revealed by multiple-replica molecular dynamics simulations. Phys Chem Chem Phys 2021; 23:10636-10649. [PMID: 33904542 DOI: 10.1039/d0cp06438f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Recently, RNA aptamers activating small-molecule fluorophores have been successfully applied to tag and track RNAs in vivo. It is of significance to investigate the molecular mechanism of the fluorophore-RNA aptamer bindings at the atomic level to seek a possible pathway to enhance the fluorescence efficiency of fluorophores. In this work, multiple replica molecular dynamics (MRMD) simulations, essential dynamics (ED) analysis, and hierarchical clustering analysis were coupled to probe the effect of A22U mutation on the binding of two fluorophores, TO1-Biotin (TO1) and TO3-Biotin (TO3), to the Mango-II RNA aptamer (Mango-II). ED analysis reveals that A22U induces alterations in the binding pocket and sites of TO1 and TO3 to the Mango-II, which in turn tunes the fluorophore-RNA interface and changes the interactions of TO1 and TO3 with separate nucleotides of Mango-II. Dynamics analyses also uncover that A22U exerts the opposite impact on the molecular surface areas of the Mango-II and sugar puckers of nucleotides 22 and 23 in Mango-II complexed with TO1 and TO3. Moreover, the calculations of binding free energies suggest that A22U strengthens the binding ability of TO1 to the mutated Mango-II but weakens TO3 to the mutated Mango-II when compared with WT. These findings imply that point mutation in nucleotides possibly tune the fluorescence of fluorophores binding to RNA aptamers, providing a possible scheme to enhance the fluorescence of fluorophores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxiao Chen
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics & New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. and School of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Qilu University of Technology, Jinan, 250353, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Li
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics & New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xingyu Wang
- NYU-ECNU Center for Computational Chemistry at NYU Shanghai, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianzhong Chen
- School of Science, Shandong Jiaotong University, Jinan 250357, People's Republic of China.
| | - John Z H Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics & New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. and NYU-ECNU Center for Computational Chemistry at NYU Shanghai, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Zhu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics & New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China. and NYU-ECNU Center for Computational Chemistry at NYU Shanghai, Shanghai, People's Republic of China and Shandong Key Laboratory of Biophysics, Institute of Biophysics, Dezhou University, Dezhou 253023, China
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19
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Large Stokes shift fluorescence activation in an RNA aptamer by intermolecular proton transfer to guanine. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3549. [PMID: 34112799 PMCID: PMC8192780 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23932-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorogenic RNA aptamers are synthetic functional RNAs that specifically bind and activate conditional fluorophores. The Chili RNA aptamer mimics large Stokes shift fluorescent proteins and exhibits high affinity for 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxybenzylidene imidazolone (DMHBI) derivatives to elicit green or red fluorescence emission. Here, we elucidate the structural and mechanistic basis of fluorescence activation by crystallography and time-resolved optical spectroscopy. Two co-crystal structures of the Chili RNA with positively charged DMHBO+ and DMHBI+ ligands revealed a G-quadruplex and a trans-sugar-sugar edge G:G base pair that immobilize the ligand by π-π stacking. A Watson-Crick G:C base pair in the fluorophore binding site establishes a short hydrogen bond between the N7 of guanine and the phenolic OH of the ligand. Ultrafast excited state proton transfer (ESPT) from the neutral chromophore to the RNA was found with a time constant of 130 fs and revealed the mode of action of the large Stokes shift fluorogenic RNA aptamer.
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20
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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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21
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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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22
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Jeng SCY, Trachman RJ, Weissenboeck F, Truong L, Link KA, Jepsen MDE, Knutson JR, Andersen ES, Ferré-D'Amaré AR, Unrau PJ. Fluorogenic aptamers resolve the flexibility of RNA junctions using orientation-dependent FRET. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 27:433-444. [PMID: 33376189 PMCID: PMC7962493 DOI: 10.1261/rna.078220.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
To further understand the transcriptome, new tools capable of measuring folding, interactions, and localization of RNA are needed. Although Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is an angle- and distance-dependent phenomenon, the majority of FRET measurements have been used to report distances, by assuming rotationally averaged donor-acceptor pairs. Angle-dependent FRET measurements have proven challenging for nucleic acids due to the difficulties in incorporating fluorophores rigidly into local substructures in a biocompatible manner. Fluorescence turn-on RNA aptamers are genetically encodable tags that appear to rigidly confine their cognate fluorophores, and thus have the potential to report angular-resolved FRET. Here, we use the fluorescent aptamers Broccoli and Mango-III as donor and acceptor, respectively, to measure the angular dependence of FRET. Joining the two fluorescent aptamers by a helix of variable length allowed systematic rotation of the acceptor fluorophore relative to the donor. FRET oscillated in a sinusoidal manner as a function of helix length, consistent with simulated data generated from models of oriented fluorophores separated by an inflexible helix. Analysis of the orientation dependence of FRET allowed us to demonstrate structural rigidification of the NiCo riboswitch upon transition metal-ion binding. This application of fluorescence turn-on aptamers opens the way to improved structural interpretation of ensemble and single-molecule FRET measurements of RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunny C Y Jeng
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6
| | - Robert J Trachman
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-8012, USA
| | - Florian Weissenboeck
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6
| | - Lynda Truong
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-8012, USA
| | - Katie A Link
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-8012, USA
| | - Mette D E Jepsen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Jay R Knutson
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-8012, USA
| | - Ebbe S Andersen
- Interdisciplinary Nanoscience Center, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Adrian R Ferré-D'Amaré
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-8012, USA
| | - Peter J Unrau
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada V5A 1S6
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23
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Banco MT, Ferré-D'Amaré AR. The emerging structural complexity of G-quadruplex RNAs. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 27:390-402. [PMID: 33483368 PMCID: PMC7962482 DOI: 10.1261/rna.078238.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
G-quadruplexes (G4s) are four-stranded nucleic acid structures that arise from the stacking of G-quartets, cyclic arrangements of four guanines engaged in Hoogsteen base-pairing. Until recently, most RNA G4 structures were thought to conform to a sequence pattern in which guanines stacking within the G4 would also be contiguous in sequence (e.g., four successive guanine trinucleotide tracts separated by loop nucleotides). Such a sequence restriction, and the stereochemical constraints inherent to RNA (arising, in particular, from the presence of the 2'-OH), dictate relatively simple RNA G4 structures. Recent crystallographic and solution NMR structure determinations of a number of in vitro selected RNA aptamers have revealed RNA G4 structures of unprecedented complexity. Structures of the Sc1 aptamer that binds an RGG peptide from the Fragile-X mental retardation protein, various fluorescence turn-on aptamers (Corn, Mango, and Spinach), and the spiegelmer that binds the complement protein C5a, in particular, reveal complexity hitherto unsuspected in RNA G4s, including nucleotides in syn conformation, locally inverted strand polarity, and nucleotide quartets that are not all-G. Common to these new structures, the sequences folding into G4s do not conform to the requirement that guanine stacks arise from consecutive (contiguous in sequence) nucleotides. This review highlights how emancipation from this constraint drastically expands the structural possibilities of RNA G-quadruplexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael T Banco
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-8012, USA
| | - Adrian R Ferré-D'Amaré
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-8012, USA
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24
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Aroonsri A, Kongsee J, Gunawan JD, Aubry DA, Shaw PJ. A cell-based ribozyme reporter system employing a chromosomally-integrated 5' exonuclease gene. BMC Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:20. [PMID: 33726662 PMCID: PMC7967978 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-021-00357-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bioinformatic genome surveys indicate that self-cleaving ribonucleic acids (ribozymes) appear to be widespread among all domains of life, although the functions of only a small number have been validated by biochemical methods. Alternatively, cell-based reporter gene assays can be used to validate ribozyme function. However, reporter activity can be confounded by phenomena unrelated to ribozyme-mediated cleavage of RNA. Results We established a ribozyme reporter system in Escherichia coli in which a significant reduction of reporter activity is manifest when an active ribozyme sequence is fused to the reporter gene and the expression of a foreign Bacillus subtilis RNaseJ1 5′ exonuclease is induced from a chromosomally-integrated gene in the same cell. Conclusions The reporter system could be useful for validating ribozyme function in candidate sequences identified from bioinformatics. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12860-021-00357-7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiyada Aroonsri
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand.
| | - Jindaporn Kongsee
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
| | - Jeremy David Gunawan
- School of Life Science, Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences (i3L), Jakarta, 13210, Indonesia
| | - Daniel Abidin Aubry
- School of Life Science, Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences (i3L), Jakarta, 13210, Indonesia
| | - Philip James Shaw
- National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, 12120, Thailand
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25
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Kong KYS, Jeng SCY, Rayyan B, Unrau PJ. RNA Peach and Mango: Orthogonal two-color fluorogenic aptamers distinguish nearly identical ligands. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 27:rna.078493.120. [PMID: 33674421 PMCID: PMC8051271 DOI: 10.1261/rna.078493.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Two-channel fluorogenic RNA aptamer-based imaging is currently challenging. While we have previously characterized the Mango series of aptamers that bind tightly and specifically to the green fluorophore TO1-Biotin, the next aim was to identify an effective fluorogenic aptamer partner for two-color imaging. A competitive in vitro selection for TO3-Biotin binding aptamers was performed resulting in the Peach I and II aptamers. Remarkably, given that the TO1-Biotin and TO3-Biotin heterocycles differ by only two bridging carbons, these new aptamers exhibit a marked preference for TO3-Biotin binding relative to the iM3 and Mango III A10U aptamers, which preferentially bind TO1-Biotin. Peach I, like Mango I and II, appears to contain a quadruplex core isolated by a GAA^A type tetraloop-like adaptor from its closing stem. Thermal melts of the Peach aptamers reveal that TO3-Biotin binding is cooperative, while TO1-Biotin binding is not, suggesting a unique and currently uncharacterized mode of ligand differentiation. Using only fluorescent measurements, the concentrations of Peach and Mango aptamers could be reliably determined in vitro. The utility of this orthogonal pair provides a possible route to in vivo two-color RNA imaging.
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26
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Swetha P, Fan Z, Wang F, Jiang JH. Genetically encoded light-up RNA aptamers and their applications for imaging and biosensing. J Mater Chem B 2021; 8:3382-3392. [PMID: 31984401 DOI: 10.1039/c9tb02668a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular small ligands and biomacromolecules are playing crucial roles not only as executors but also as regulators. It is essential to develop tools to investigate their dynamics to interrogate their functions and reflect the cellular status. Light-up RNA aptamers are RNA sequences that can bind with their cognate nonfluorescent fluorogens and greatly activate their fluorescence. The emergence of genetically encoded light-up RNA aptamers has provided fascinating tools for studying intracellular small ligands and biomacromolecules owing to their high fluorescence activation degree and facile programmability. Here we review the burgeoning field of light-up RNA aptamers. We first briefly introduce light-up RNA aptamers with a focus on the photophysical properties of the fluorogens. Then design strategies of genetically encoded light-up RNA aptamer based sensors including turn-on, signal amplification and ratiometric rationales are emphasized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puchakayala Swetha
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hu-nan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China.
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27
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Kharel P, Becker G, Tsvetkov V, Ivanov P. Properties and biological impact of RNA G-quadruplexes: from order to turmoil and back. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:12534-12555. [PMID: 33264409 PMCID: PMC7736831 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa1126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Guanine-quadruplexes (G4s) are non-canonical four-stranded structures that can be formed in guanine (G) rich nucleic acid sequences. A great number of G-rich sequences capable of forming G4 structures have been described based on in vitro analysis, and evidence supporting their formation in live cells continues to accumulate. While formation of DNA G4s (dG4s) within chromatin in vivo has been supported by different chemical, imaging and genomic approaches, formation of RNA G4s (rG4s) in vivo remains a matter of discussion. Recent data support the dynamic nature of G4 formation in the transcriptome. Such dynamic fluctuation of rG4 folding-unfolding underpins the biological significance of these structures in the regulation of RNA metabolism. Moreover, rG4-mediated functions may ultimately be connected to mechanisms underlying disease pathologies and, potentially, provide novel options for therapeutics. In this framework, we will review the landscape of rG4s within the transcriptome, focus on their potential impact on biological processes, and consider an emerging connection of these functions in human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakash Kharel
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gertraud Becker
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vladimir Tsvetkov
- Computational Oncology Group, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119146, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Physical-Chemical Medicine, Federal Medical Biological Agency, Moscow 119435, Russia
- A. V. Topchiev Institute of Petrochemical Synthesis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 117912, Russia
| | - Pavel Ivanov
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Initiative for RNA Medicine, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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28
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Di Y, Wang P, Li C, Xu S, Tian Q, Wu T, Tian Y, Gao L. Design, Bioanalytical, and Biomedical Applications of Aptamer-Based Hydrogels. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:456. [PMID: 33195288 PMCID: PMC7642814 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.00456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Aptamers are special types of single-stranded DNA generated by a process called systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX). Due to significant advances in the chemical synthesis and biotechnological production, aptamers have gained considerable attention as versatile building blocks for the next generation of soft materials. Hydrogels are high water-retainable materials with a three-dimensional (3D) polymeric network. Aptamers, as a vital element, have greatly expanded the applications of hydrogels. Due to their biocompatibility, selective binding, and molecular recognition, aptamer-based hydrogels can be utilized for bioanalytical and biomedical applications. In this review, we focus on the latest strategies of aptamer-based hydrogels in bioanalytical and biomedical applications. We begin this review with an overview of the underlying design principles for the construction of aptamer-based hydrogels. Next, we will discuss some bioanalytical and biomedical applications of aptamer-based hydrogel including biosensing, target capture and release, logic devices, gene and cancer therapy. Finally, the recent progress of aptamer-based hydrogels is discussed, along with challenges and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Di
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyan Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shufeng Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Qi Tian
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Tong Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Yaling Tian
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
| | - Liming Gao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, Qinhuangdao, China
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29
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Micura R, Höbartner C. Fundamental studies of functional nucleic acids: aptamers, riboswitches, ribozymes and DNAzymes. Chem Soc Rev 2020; 49:7331-7353. [PMID: 32944725 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00617c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This review aims at juxtaposing common versus distinct structural and functional strategies that are applied by aptamers, riboswitches, and ribozymes/DNAzymes. Focusing on recently discovered systems, we begin our analysis with small-molecule binding aptamers, with emphasis on in vitro-selected fluorogenic RNA aptamers and their different modes of ligand binding and fluorescence activation. Fundamental insights are much needed to advance RNA imaging probes for detection of exo- and endogenous RNA and for RNA process tracking. Secondly, we discuss the latest gene expression-regulating mRNA riboswitches that respond to the alarmone ppGpp, to PRPP, to NAD+, to adenosine and cytidine diphosphates, and to precursors of thiamine biosynthesis (HMP-PP), and we outline new subclasses of SAM and tetrahydrofolate-binding RNA regulators. Many riboswitches bind protein enzyme cofactors that, in principle, can catalyse a chemical reaction. For RNA, however, only one system (glmS ribozyme) has been identified in Nature thus far that utilizes a small molecule - glucosamine-6-phosphate - to participate directly in reaction catalysis (phosphodiester cleavage). We wonder why that is the case and what is to be done to reveal such likely existing cellular activities that could be more diverse than currently imagined. Thirdly, this brings us to the four latest small nucleolytic ribozymes termed twister, twister-sister, pistol, and hatchet as well as to in vitro selected DNA and RNA enzymes that promote new chemistry, mainly by exploiting their ability for RNA labelling and nucleoside modification recognition. Enormous progress in understanding the strategies of nucleic acids catalysts has been made by providing thorough structural fundaments (e.g. first structure of a DNAzyme, structures of ribozyme transition state mimics) in combination with functional assays and atomic mutagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald Micura
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Center for Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck CMBI, Leopold-Franzens University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Hoog TG, Aufdembrink LM, Gaut NJ, Sung RJ, Adamala KP, Engelhart AE. Rapid deployment of smartphone-based augmented reality tools for field and online education in structural biology. BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY EDUCATION : A BIMONTHLY PUBLICATION OF THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 48:448-451. [PMID: 32604463 DOI: 10.1002/bmb.21396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Structural biology education commonly employs molecular visualization software, such as PyMol, RasMol, and VMD, to allow students to appreciate structure-function relationships in biomolecules. In on-ground, classroom-based education, these programs are commonly used on University-owned devices with software preinstalled. Remote education typically involves the use of student-owned devices, which complicates the use of such software, owing to the fact that (a) student devices have differing configurations (e.g., Windows vs MacOS) and processing power, and (b) not all student devices are suitable for use with such software. Smartphones are near-ubiquitous devices, with smartphone ownership exceeding personal computer ownership, according to a recent survey. Here, we show the use of a smartphone-based augmented reality app, Augment, in a structural biology classroom exercise, which students installed independently without IT support. Post-lab attitudinal survey results indicate positive student experiences with this app. Based on our experiences, we suggest that smartphone-based molecular visualization software, such as that used in this exercise, is a powerful educational tool that is particularly well-suited for use in remote education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanner G Hoog
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Lauren M Aufdembrink
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Nathaniel J Gaut
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Rou-Jia Sung
- Department of Biology, Carleton College, Northfield, Minnesota, USA
| | - Katarzyna P Adamala
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Aaron E Engelhart
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Steinmetzger C, Bessi I, Lenz AK, Höbartner C. Structure-fluorescence activation relationships of a large Stokes shift fluorogenic RNA aptamer. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:11538-11550. [PMID: 31740962 PMCID: PMC7145527 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz1084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The Chili RNA aptamer is a 52 nt long fluorogen-activating RNA aptamer (FLAP) that confers fluorescence to structurally diverse derivatives of fluorescent protein chromophores. A key feature of Chili is the formation of highly stable complexes with different ligands, which exhibit bright, highly Stokes-shifted fluorescence emission. In this work, we have analyzed the interactions between the Chili RNA and a family of conditionally fluorescent ligands using a variety of spectroscopic, calorimetric and biochemical techniques to reveal key structure–fluorescence activation relationships (SFARs). The ligands under investigation form two categories with emission maxima of ∼540 or ∼590 nm, respectively, and bind with affinities in the nanomolar to low-micromolar range. Isothermal titration calorimetry was used to elucidate the enthalpic and entropic contributions to binding affinity for a cationic ligand that is unique to the Chili aptamer. In addition to fluorescence activation, ligand binding was also observed by NMR spectroscopy, revealing characteristic signals for the formation of a G-quadruplex only upon ligand binding. These data shed light on the molecular features required and responsible for the large Stokes shift and the strong fluorescence enhancement of red and green emitting RNA–chromophore complexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Steinmetzger
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Irene Bessi
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Lenz
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Höbartner
- Institute of Organic Chemistry, Julius-Maximilians-University Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
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Trachman RJ, Cojocaru R, Wu D, Piszczek G, Ryckelynck M, Unrau PJ, Ferré-D'Amaré AR. Structure-Guided Engineering of the Homodimeric Mango-IV Fluorescence Turn-on Aptamer Yields an RNA FRET Pair. Structure 2020; 28:776-785.e3. [PMID: 32386573 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/11/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescent RNA aptamers have been used in cells as biosensor reporters and tags for tracking transcripts. Recently, combined SELEX and microfluidic fluorescence sorting yielded three aptamers that activate fluorescence of TO1-Biotin: Mango-II, Mango-III, and Mango-IV. Of these, Mango-IV was best at imaging RNAs in both fixed and live mammalian cells. To understand how Mango-IV achieves activity in cells, we determined its crystal structure complexed with TO1-Biotin. The structure reveals a domain-swapped homodimer with two independent G-quadruplex fluorophore binding pockets. Structure-based analyses indicate that the Mango-IV core has relaxed fluorophore specificity, and a tendency to reorganize binding pocket residues. These molecular properties may endow it with robustness in the cellular milieu. Based on the domain-swapped structure, heterodimers between Mango-IV and the fluorescent aptamer iSpinach, joined by Watson-Crick base pairing, were constructed. These exhibited FRET between their respective aptamer-activated fluorophores, advancing fluorescent aptamer technology toward multi-color, RNA-based imaging of RNA coexpression and colocalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Trachman
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 50 South Drive MSC 8012, Bethesda, MD 20892-8012, USA
| | - Razvan Cojocaru
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Di Wu
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 50 South Drive MSC 8012, Bethesda, MD 20892-8012, USA
| | - Grzegorz Piszczek
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 50 South Drive MSC 8012, Bethesda, MD 20892-8012, USA
| | - Michael Ryckelynck
- Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, Université de Strasbourg, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire du CNRS, 15 rue René Descartes, 67084 Strasbourg, France
| | - Peter J Unrau
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Adrian R Ferré-D'Amaré
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, 50 South Drive MSC 8012, Bethesda, MD 20892-8012, USA.
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Steinmetzger C, Bäuerlein C, Höbartner C. Supramolecular Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer in Nucleobase‐Modified Fluorogenic RNA Aptamers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201916707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen Bäuerlein
- Institute of Organic ChemistryUniversity of Würzburg Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Claudia Höbartner
- Institute of Organic ChemistryUniversity of Würzburg Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
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Steinmetzger C, Bäuerlein C, Höbartner C. Supramolecular Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer in Nucleobase-Modified Fluorogenic RNA Aptamers. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:6760-6764. [PMID: 32052536 PMCID: PMC7187157 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201916707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RNA aptamers form compact tertiary structures and bind their ligands in specific binding sites. Fluorescence-based strategies reveal information on structure and dynamics of RNA aptamers. Herein, we report the incorporation of the universal emissive nucleobase analog 4-cyanoindole into the fluorogenic RNA aptamer Chili, and its application as a donor for supramolecular FRET to the bound ligands DMHBI+ or DMHBO+ . The photophysical properties of the new nucleobase-ligand-FRET pair revealed structural restraints for the overall RNA aptamer organization and identified nucleotide positions suitable for FRET-based readout of ligand binding. This strategy is generally suitable for binding-site mapping and may also be applied for responsive aptamer devices.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen Bäuerlein
- Institute of Organic ChemistryUniversity of WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
| | - Claudia Höbartner
- Institute of Organic ChemistryUniversity of WürzburgAm Hubland97074WürzburgGermany
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Ghaem Maghami M, Dey S, Lenz AK, Höbartner C. Repurposing Antiviral Drugs for Orthogonal RNA-Catalyzed Labeling of RNA. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020; 59:9335-9339. [PMID: 32162405 PMCID: PMC7318677 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202001300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In vitro selected ribozymes are promising tools for site-specific labeling of RNA. Previously known nucleic acid catalysts attached fluorescently labeled adenosine or guanosine derivatives through 2',5'-branched phosphodiester bonds to the RNA of interest. Herein, we report new ribozymes that use orthogonal substrates, derived from the antiviral drug tenofovir, and attach bioorthogonal functional groups, as well as affinity handles and fluorescent reporter units through a hydrolytically more stable phosphonate ester linkage. The tenofovir transferase ribozymes were identified by in vitro selection and are orthogonal to nucleotide transferase ribozymes. As genetically encodable functional RNAs, these ribozymes may be developed for potential cellular applications. The orthogonal ribozymes addressed desired target sites in large RNAs in vitro, as shown by fluorescent labeling of E. coli 16S and 23S rRNAs in total cellular RNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ghaem Maghami
- Universität Würzburg, Institut für Organische Chemie, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School Molecular Biology, University of Göttingen, Germany
| | - Surjendu Dey
- Universität Würzburg, Institut für Organische Chemie, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Lenz
- Universität Würzburg, Institut für Organische Chemie, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Höbartner
- Universität Würzburg, Institut für Organische Chemie, Am Hubland, 97074, Würzburg, Germany.,International Max Planck Research School Molecular Biology, University of Göttingen, Germany
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Ghaem Maghami M, Dey S, Lenz A, Höbartner C. Repurposing Antiviral Drugs for Orthogonal RNA‐Catalyzed Labeling of RNA. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202001300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ghaem Maghami
- Universität WürzburgInstitut für Organische Chemie Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
- International Max Planck Research School Molecular BiologyUniversity of Göttingen Germany
| | - Surjendu Dey
- Universität WürzburgInstitut für Organische Chemie Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Ann‐Kathrin Lenz
- Universität WürzburgInstitut für Organische Chemie Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
| | - Claudia Höbartner
- Universität WürzburgInstitut für Organische Chemie Am Hubland 97074 Würzburg Germany
- International Max Planck Research School Molecular BiologyUniversity of Göttingen Germany
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Bissaro M, Sturlese M, Moro S. Exploring the RNA-Recognition Mechanism Using Supervised Molecular Dynamics (SuMD) Simulations: Toward a Rational Design for Ribonucleic-Targeting Molecules? Front Chem 2020; 8:107. [PMID: 32175307 PMCID: PMC7057144 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Although proteins have represented the molecular target of choice in the development of new drug candidates, the pharmaceutical importance of ribonucleic acids has gradually been growing. The increasing availability of structural information has brought to light the existence of peculiar three-dimensional RNA arrangements, which can, contrary to initial expectations, be recognized and selectively modulated through small chemical entities or peptides. The application of classical computational methodologies, such as molecular docking, for the rational development of RNA-binding candidates is, however, complicated by the peculiarities characterizing these macromolecules, such as the marked conformational flexibility, the singular charges distribution, and the relevant role of solvent molecules. In this work, we have thus validated and extended the applicability domain of SuMD, an all-atoms molecular dynamics protocol that allows to accelerate the sampling of molecular recognition events on a nanosecond timescale, to ribonucleotide targets of pharmaceutical interest. In particular, we have proven the methodological ability by reproducing the binding mode of viral or prokaryotic ribonucleic complexes, as well as that of artificially engineered aptamers, with an impressive degree of accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maicol Bissaro
- Molecular Modeling Section, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Mattia Sturlese
- Molecular Modeling Section, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefano Moro
- Molecular Modeling Section, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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