1
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Zuo F, Jiang L, Su N, Zhang Y, Bao B, Wang L, Shi Y, Yang H, Huang X, Li R, Zeng Q, Chen Z, Lin Q, Zhuang Y, Zhao Y, Chen X, Zhu L, Yang Y. Imaging the dynamics of messenger RNA with a bright and stable green fluorescent RNA. Nat Chem Biol 2024; 20:1272-1281. [PMID: 38783134 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01629-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Fluorescent RNAs (FRs) provide an attractive approach to visualizing RNAs in live cells. Although the color palette of FRs has been greatly expanded recently, a green FR with high cellular brightness and photostability is still highly desired. Here we develop a fluorogenic RNA aptamer, termed Okra, that can bind and activate the fluorophore ligand ACE to emit bright green fluorescence. Okra has an order of magnitude enhanced cellular brightness than currently available green FRs, allowing the robust imaging of messenger RNA in both live bacterial and mammalian cells. We further demonstrate the usefulness of Okra for time-resolved measurements of ACTB mRNA trafficking to stress granules, as well as live-cell dual-color superresolution imaging of RNA in combination with Pepper620, revealing nonuniform and distinct distributions of different RNAs throughout the granules. The favorable properties of Okra make it a versatile tool for the study of RNA dynamics and subcellular localization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangting Zuo
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jiang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ni Su
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yaqiang Zhang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingkun Bao
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Limei Wang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yajie Shi
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Huimin Yang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinyi Huang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruilong Li
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingmei Zeng
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengda Chen
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuning Lin
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingping Zhuang
- School of Bioengineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhao
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of New Techniques for Live-cell Metabolic Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xianjun Chen
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
- Research Unit of New Techniques for Live-cell Metabolic Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Linyong Zhu
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi Yang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
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2
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Peng JM, Liu H, Ying ZM. Rapid one-pot isothermal amplification reassembled of fluorescent RNA aptamer for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Talanta 2024; 276:126264. [PMID: 38761661 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2024.126264] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 poses a serious threat to human life and health. A rapid nucleic acid tests can effectively curb the spread of the disease. With the advantages of fluorescent RNA aptamers, low background and high sensitivity. A variety of fluorescent RNA aptamer sensors have been developed for the detection of nucleic acid. Here, we report a hypersensitive detection platform in which SARS-CoV-2 initiates RTF-EXPAR to amplify trigger fragments. This activation leads to the reassembled of the SRB2 fluorescent RNA aptamer, restoring its secondary structure for SR-DN binding and turn-on fluorescence. The platform completes the assay in 30 min and all reactions occur in one tube. The detection limit is as low as 116 aM. Significantly, the platform's quantitative analyses were almost identical to qPCR results in simulated tests of positive samples. In conclusion, the platform is sensitive, accurate and provides a new protocol for point-of-care testing of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Min Peng
- Key Laboratory for Green Organic Synthesis and Application of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Application of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, China
| | - Hao Liu
- Key Laboratory for Green Organic Synthesis and Application of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Application of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, China
| | - Zhan-Ming Ying
- Key Laboratory for Green Organic Synthesis and Application of Hunan Province, Key Laboratory of Environmentally Friendly Chemistry and Application of Ministry of Education, College of Chemistry, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan, 411105, China.
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3
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Liu Y, Wang J, Wu Y, Wang Y. Advancing the enzymatic toolkit for 2'-fluoro arabino nucleic acid (FANA) manipulation: phosphorylation, ligation, replication, and templating RNA transcription. Chem Sci 2024; 15:12534-12542. [PMID: 39118620 PMCID: PMC11304824 DOI: 10.1039/d4sc02904f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
2'-Fluoro arabino nucleic acid (FANA), classified as a xeno nucleic acid (XNA), stands as a prominent subject of investigation in synthetic genetic polymers. Demonstrating efficacy as antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) and exhibiting the ability to fold into functional structures akin to enzymes and aptamers, FANA holds substantial promise across diverse biological and therapeutic domains. Owing to structural similarities to DNA, the utilization of naturally occurring DNA polymerases for DNA-mediated FANA replication is well-documented. In this study, we explore alternative nucleic acid processing enzymes typically employed for DNA oligonucleotide (ON) phosphorylation, ligation, and amplification, and assess their compatibility with FANA substrates. Notably, T4 polynucleotide kinase (T4 PNK) efficiently phosphorylated the 5'-hydroxyl group of FANA using ATP as a phosphate donor. Subsequent ligation of the phosphorylated FANA with an upstream FANA ON was achieved with T4 DNA ligase, facilitated by a DNA splint ON that brings the two FANA ONs into proximity. This methodology enabled the reconstruction of RNA-cleaving FANA 12-7 by ligating two FANA fragments amenable to solid-phase synthesis. Furthermore, Tgo DNA polymerase, devoid of 3' to 5' exonuclease activity [Tgo (exo-)], demonstrated proficiency in performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with a mixture of dNTPs and FANA NTPs (fNTPs), yielding DNA-FANA chimeras with efficiency and fidelity comparable to traditional DNA PCR. Notably, T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) exhibited recognition of double-stranded fA-DNA chimeras containing T7 promoter sequences, enabling in vitro transcription of RNA molecules up to 649 nt in length, even in the presence of highly structured F30 motifs at the 3' end. Our findings significantly expand the enzymatic toolkit for FANA manipulation, encompassing phosphorylation, ligation, chimeric amplification, and templating T7 RNAP-catalyzed RNA transcription. These advancements are poised to expedite fundamental research, functional evolution, and translational applications of FANA-based XNA agents. They also have the potential to inspire explorations of a broader range of non-natural nucleic acids that can be routinely studied in laboratories, ultimately expanding the repertoire of nucleic acid-based biomedicine and biotechnology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingyu Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University Suzhou 215123 China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou Zhejiang 310000 China
| | - Jun Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University Suzhou 215123 China
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou Zhejiang 310000 China
| | - Yashu Wu
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou Zhejiang 310000 China
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Science (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital) Hangzhou Zhejiang 310022 China
| | - Yajun Wang
- Hangzhou Institute of Medicine (HIM), Chinese Academy of Sciences Hangzhou Zhejiang 310000 China
- The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Science (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital) Hangzhou Zhejiang 310022 China
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Chen M, Huang X, Shi Y, Wang W, Huang Z, Tong Y, Zou X, Xu Y, Dai Z. CRISPR/Pepper-tDeg: A Live Imaging System Enables Non-Repetitive Genomic Locus Analysis with One Single-Guide RNA. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2402534. [PMID: 38924638 PMCID: PMC11348139 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202402534] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
CRISPR-based genomic-imaging systems have been utilized for spatiotemporal imaging of the repetitive genomic loci in living cells, but they are still challenged by limited signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) at a non-repetitive genomic locus. Here, an efficient genomic-imaging system is proposed, termed CRISPR/Pepper-tDeg, by engineering the CRISPR sgRNA scaffolds with the degron-binding Pepper aptamers for binding fluorogenic proteins fused with Tat peptide derived degron domain (tDeg). The target-dependent stability switches of both sgRNA and fluorogenic protein allow this system to image repetitive telomeres sensitively with a 5-fold higher SNR than conventional CRISPR/MS2-MCP system using "always-on" fluorescent protein tag. Subsequently, CRISPR/Pepper-tDeg is applied to simultaneously label and track two different genomic loci, telomeres and centromeres, in living cells by combining two systems. Given a further improved SNR by the split fluorescent protein design, CRISPR/Pepper-tDeg system is extended to non-repetitive sequence imaging using only one sgRNA with two aptamer insertions. Neither complex sgRNA design nor difficult plasmid construction is required, greatly reducing the technical barriers to define spatiotemporal organization and dynamics of both repetitive and non-repetitive genomic loci in living cells, and thus demonstrating the large application potential of this genomic-imaging system in biological research, clinical diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical InstrumentSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShenzhen Campus of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversitySun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhen518107China
| | - Xing Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical InstrumentSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShenzhen Campus of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversitySun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhen518107China
| | - Yakun Shi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical InstrumentSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShenzhen Campus of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversitySun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhen518107China
| | - Wen Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510275China
| | - Zhan Huang
- School of ChemistrySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510275China
| | - Yanli Tong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical InstrumentSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShenzhen Campus of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversitySun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhen518107China
| | - Xiaoyong Zou
- School of ChemistrySun Yat‐Sen UniversityGuangzhou510275China
| | - Yuzhi Xu
- Scientific Research CenterThe Seventh Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhen518107China
| | - Zong Dai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Sensing Technology and Biomedical InstrumentSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShenzhen Campus of Sun Yat‐Sen UniversitySun Yat‐Sen UniversityShenzhen518107China
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5
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Stewart JM. RNA nanotechnology on the horizon: Self-assembly, chemical modifications, and functional applications. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2024; 81:102479. [PMID: 38889473 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2024.102479] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
RNA nanotechnology harnesses the unique chemical and structural properties of RNA to build nanoassemblies and supramolecular structures with dynamic and functional capabilities. This review focuses on design and assembly approaches to building RNA structures, the RNA chemical modifications used to enhance stability and functionality, and modern-day applications in therapeutics, biosensing, and bioimaging.
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6
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Zhang Z, Sun Z, Liu JL. Developing Device of Death Operation (DODO) to Detect Apoptosis in 2D and 3D Cultures. Cells 2024; 13:1224. [PMID: 39056805 PMCID: PMC11274962 DOI: 10.3390/cells13141224] [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: 05/11/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The real-time detection of intracellular biological processes by encoded sensors has broad application prospects. Here, we developed a degron-based modular reporting system, the Device of Death Operation (DODO), that can monitor various biological processes. The DODO system consists of a "reporter", an "inductor", and a "degron". After zymogen activation and cleavage, the degron will be released from the "reporter", which eventually leads to the stabilization of the "reporter", and can be detected. By replacing different "inductors" and "reporters", a series of biological processes can be reported through various signals. The system can effectively report the existence of TEV protease. To prove this concept, we successfully applied the DODO system to report apoptosis in 2D and 3D cultures. In addition, the reporter based on degron will help to design protease reporters other than caspase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziheng Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhe Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ji-Long Liu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3PT, UK
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7
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Pham TG, Wu J. Recent advances in methods for live-cell RNA imaging. NANOSCALE 2024; 16:5537-5545. [PMID: 38414383 DOI: 10.1039/d4nr00129j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
As one of the most fundamental building blocks of life, RNA plays critical roles in diverse biological processes, from X chromosome inactivation, genome stability maintenance, to embryo development. Being able to visualize the localization and dynamics of RNA can provide critical insights into these fundamental processes. In this review, we provide an overview of current methods for live-cell RNA imaging with a focus on methods for visualizing RNA in living mammalian cells with single-molecule resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tien G Pham
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
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8
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Preedy MK, White MRH, Tergaonkar V. Cellular heterogeneity in TNF/TNFR1 signalling: live cell imaging of cell fate decisions in single cells. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:202. [PMID: 38467621 PMCID: PMC10928192 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06559-z] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Cellular responses to TNF are inherently heterogeneous within an isogenic cell population and across different cell types. TNF promotes cell survival by activating pro-inflammatory NF-κB and MAPK signalling pathways but may also trigger apoptosis and necroptosis. Following TNF stimulation, the fate of individual cells is governed by the balance of pro-survival and pro-apoptotic signalling pathways. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms driving heterogenous responses to TNF, quantifying TNF/TNFR1 signalling at the single-cell level is crucial. Fluorescence live-cell imaging techniques offer real-time, dynamic insights into molecular processes in single cells, allowing for detection of rapid and transient changes, as well as identification of subpopulations, that are likely to be missed with traditional endpoint assays. Whilst fluorescence live-cell imaging has been employed extensively to investigate TNF-induced inflammation and TNF-induced cell death, it has been underutilised in studying the role of TNF/TNFR1 signalling pathway crosstalk in guiding cell-fate decisions in single cells. Here, we outline the various opportunities for pathway crosstalk during TNF/TNFR1 signalling and how these interactions may govern heterogenous responses to TNF. We also advocate for the use of live-cell imaging techniques to elucidate the molecular processes driving cell-to-cell variability in single cells. Understanding and overcoming cellular heterogeneity in response to TNF and modulators of the TNF/TNFR1 signalling pathway could lead to the development of targeted therapies for various diseases associated with aberrant TNF/TNFR1 signalling, such as rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic syndrome, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus K Preedy
- Laboratory of NF-κB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, D3308, Dover Street, Manchester, M13 9PT, England, UK
| | - Michael R H White
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, D3308, Dover Street, Manchester, M13 9PT, England, UK.
| | - Vinay Tergaonkar
- Laboratory of NF-κB Signalling, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IMCB), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 61 Biopolis Drive, Proteos, Singapore, 138673, Singapore.
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore (NUS), 8 Medical Drive, MD7, Singapore, 117596, Singapore.
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9
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Zhang Z, Rong X, Xie T, Li Z, Song H, Zhen S, Wang H, Wu J, Jaffrey SR, Li X. Fluorogenic CRISPR for genomic DNA imaging. Nat Commun 2024; 15:934. [PMID: 38296979 PMCID: PMC10831063 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45163-9] [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: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Genomic DNA exhibits high heterogeneity in terms of its dynamic within the nucleus, its structure and functional roles. CRISPR-based imaging approaches can image genomic loci in living cells. However, conventional CRISPR-based tools involve expressing constitutively fluorescent proteins, resulting in high background and nonspecific nucleolar signal. Here, we construct fluorogenic CRISPR (fCRISPR) to overcome these issues. fCRISPR is designed with dCas9, an engineered sgRNA, and a fluorogenic protein. Fluorogenic proteins are degraded unless they are bound to specific RNA hairpins. These hairpins are inserted into sgRNA, resulting in dCas9: sgRNA: fluorogenic protein ternary complexes that enable fluorogenic DNA imaging. With fCRISPR, we image various genomic DNA in different human cells with high signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity. Furthermore, fCRISPR tracks chromosomes dynamics and length. fCRISPR also allows DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and repair to be tracked in real time. Taken together, fCRISPR offers a high-contrast and sensitive platform for imaging genomic loci.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongxuan Zhang
- Beijing Institute of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science, 100101, Beijing, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 646000, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Rong
- Beijing Institute of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science, 100101, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, China
| | - Tianjin Xie
- Beijing Institute of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science, 100101, Beijing, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Beibei District, 400715, Chongqing, China
| | - Zehao Li
- Beijing Institute of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science, 100101, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, Hebei, China
| | - Haozhi Song
- Beijing Institute of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science, 100101, Beijing, China
| | - Shujun Zhen
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Southwest University, Beibei District, 400715, Chongqing, China
| | - Haifeng Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Center for Synthetic and Systems Biology, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Xing Li
- Beijing Institute of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Science, 100101, Beijing, China.
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, 646000, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100049, Beijing, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 100101, Beijing, China.
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10
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Moon JD, Yusko K, Nassimos L, Wu J. Imaging S-Adenosyl Methionine Dynamics in Living Cells Using an RNA-Based Fluorescent Sensor. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2774:259-267. [PMID: 38441770 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3718-0_17] [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] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
S-Adenosyl methionine (SAM) is a critical metabolite involved in numerous cellular processes, including DNA methylation and gene expression regulation. Understanding the spatiotemporal dynamics of SAM within living cells is essential for deciphering its roles in maintaining cell homeostasis and in disease development. Here, we describe a protocol based on a recently reported SAM sensor exploiting a fluorogenic RNA and an RNA three-way junction for visualizing SAM dynamics in cultured mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared D Moon
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
- Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene, Menands, NY, USA.
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Kevin Yusko
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Lindsey Nassimos
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Department of Chemistry, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA.
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11
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Bühler B, Sunbul M. Single-Molecule RNA Imaging in Live Cells with an Avidity-Based Fluorescent Light-Up Aptamer biRhoBAST. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2822:87-100. [PMID: 38907914 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3918-4_8] [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] [Indexed: 06/24/2024]
Abstract
Observing individual RNA molecules provides valuable insights into their regulation, interactions with other cellular components, organization, and functions. Although fluorescent light-up aptamers (FLAPs) have recently shown promise for RNA imaging, their wider applications have been mostly hindered by poor brightness and photostability. We recently developed an avidity-based FLAP known as biRhoBAST that allows for single-molecule RNA imaging in live or fixed cells and tracking individual mRNA molecules in living cells due to its excellent photostability and high brightness. Here, we present step-by-step detailed protocols starting from cloning biRhoBAST repeats into the target RNA sequence, to imaging dynamics of single mRNA molecules. Additionally, we address the validation of single-molecule imaging experiments through single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) and colocalization studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Bühler
- Department of Chemical Biology, Max Planck Institute for Medical Research, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Murat Sunbul
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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12
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P U A, Raj G, John J, Mohan K M, John F, George J. Aptamers: Features, Synthesis and Applications. Chem Biodivers 2023; 20:e202301008. [PMID: 37709723 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202301008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Aptamers have become a topic of interest among the researchers and scientists since they not only possess all of the benefits of antibodies but also possess special qualities including heat stability, low cost, and limitless uses⋅ Here we give a review about the features, applications, and challenges of aptamers and also how they are beneficial over the antibodies for biomedical applications. Their unique features make aptamers a prominent tool in therapeutics, diagnostics, biosensors and targeted drug delivery. In conclusion, aptamers represent exciting materials for a variety of applications and can be modified to improve their properties and to extend their applications in biomedical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiswarya P U
- Bio-organic Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Sacred Heart College, Kochi, 682013, India
| | - Gopika Raj
- Bio-organic Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Sacred Heart College, Kochi, 682013, India
| | - Jinju John
- Bio-organic Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Sacred Heart College, Kochi, 682013, India
| | - Malavika Mohan K
- Bio-organic Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Sacred Heart College, Kochi, 682013, India
| | - Franklin John
- Bio-organic Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Sacred Heart College, Kochi, 682013, India
| | - Jinu George
- Bio-organic Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Sacred Heart College, Kochi, 682013, India
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13
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Ouyang X, Jia N, Luo J, Li L, Xue J, Bu H, Xie G, Wan Y. DNA Nanoribbon-Assisted Intracellular Biosynthesis of Fluorescent Gold Nanoclusters for Cancer Cell Imaging. JACS AU 2023; 3:2566-2577. [PMID: 37772173 PMCID: PMC10523492 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00365] [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] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Metal nanoclusters (NCs) have emerged as a promising class of fluorescent probes for cellular imaging due to their high resistance to photobleaching and low toxicity. Nevertheless, their widespread use in clinical diagnosis is limited by their unstable intracellular fluorescence. In this study, we develop an intracellularly biosynthesized fluorescent probe, DNA nanoribbon-gold NCs (DNR/AuNCs), for long-term cellular tracking. Our results show that DNR/AuNCs exhibit a 4-fold enhancement of intracellular fluorescence intensity compared to free AuNCs. We also investigated the mechanism underlying the fluorescence enhancement of AuNCs by DNRs. Our findings suggest that the higher synthesis efficiency and stability of AuNCs in the lysosome may contribute to their fluorescence enhancement, which enables long-term (up to 15 days) fluorescence imaging of cancer cells (enhancement of ∼60 times compared to free AuNCs). Furthermore, we observe similar results with other metal NCs, confirming the generality of the DNR-assisted biosynthesis approach for preparing highly bright and stable fluorescent metal NCs for cancer cell imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyuan Ouyang
- Xi’an
Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Structure and Materials,
Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of Ministry
of Education, College of Chemistry & Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710127, P. R. China
| | - Nan Jia
- Xi’an
Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Structure and Materials,
Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of Ministry
of Education, College of Chemistry & Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710127, P. R. China
| | - Jing Luo
- Key
Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China
(Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710069, PR China
| | - Le Li
- Xi’an
Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Structure and Materials,
Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of Ministry
of Education, College of Chemistry & Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710127, P. R. China
| | - Jiangshan Xue
- Key
Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China
(Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710069, PR China
| | - Huaiyu Bu
- Key
Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China
(Ministry of Education), College of Life Sciences, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710069, PR China
| | - Gang Xie
- Xi’an
Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Structure and Materials,
Key Laboratory of Synthetic and Natural Functional Molecule of Ministry
of Education, College of Chemistry & Materials Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710127, P. R. China
| | - Ying Wan
- School
of Mechanical Engineering, Nanjing University
of Science and Technology, Nanjing 210094, China
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14
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Wang Y, Liu Y, Wang LL, Zhang QL, Xu L. Integrating Ligands into Nucleic Acid Systems. Chembiochem 2023; 24:e202300292. [PMID: 37401635 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202300292] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Signal transduction from non-nucleic acid ligands (small molecules and proteins) to structural changes of nucleic acids plays a crucial role in both biomedical analysis and cellular regulations. However, how to bridge between these two types of molecules without compromising the expandable complexity and programmability of the nucleic acid nanomachines is a critical challenge. Compared with the previously most widely applied transduction strategies, we review the latest advances of a kinetically controlled approach for ligand-oligonucleotide transduction in this Concept article. This new design works through an intrinsic conformational alteration of the nucleic acid aptamer upon the ligand binding as a governing factor for nucleic acid strand displacement reactions. The functionalities and applications of this transduction system as a ligand converter on biosensing and DNA computation are described and discussed. Furthermore, we propose some potential scenarios for utilization of this ligand transduction design to regulate gene expression through synthetic RNA switches in the cellular contexts. Finally, future perspectives regarding this ligand-oligonucleotide transduction platform are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Biomedical Measurements and Ultrasound Imaging National-Regional Key Technology Engineering Laboratory for Medical Ultrasound School of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shenzhen, 518060, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Yan Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Liang-Liang Wang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Qiu-Long Zhang
- School of Pharmacy and Medical Technology, Putian University, Putian, 351100, Fujian, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
| | - Liang Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinorganic and Synthetic Chemistry School of Chemistry, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510275, China
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15
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Gao G, Walter NG. Critical Assessment of Condensate Boundaries in Dual-Color Single Particle Tracking. J Phys Chem B 2023; 127:7694-7707. [PMID: 37669232 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.3c03776] [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] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates are membraneless cellular compartments generated by phase separation that regulate a broad variety of cellular functions by enriching some biomolecules while excluding others. Live-cell single particle tracking of individual fluorophore-labeled condensate components has provided insights into a condensate's mesoscopic organization and biological functions, such as revealing the recruitment, translation, and decay of RNAs within ribonucleoprotein (RNP) granules. Specifically, during dual-color tracking, one imaging channel provides a time series of individual biomolecule locations, while the other channel monitors the location of the condensate relative to these molecules. Therefore, an accurate assessment of a condensate's boundary is critical for combined live-cell single particle-condensate tracking. Despite its importance, a quantitative benchmarking and objective comparison of the various available boundary detection methods is missing due to the lack of an absolute ground truth for condensate images. Here, we use synthetic data of defined ground truth to generate noise-overlaid images of condensates with realistic phase separation parameters to benchmark the most commonly used methods for condensate boundary detection, including an emerging machine-learning method. We find that it is critical to carefully choose an optimal boundary detection method for a given dataset to obtain accurate measurements of single particle-condensate interactions. The criteria proposed in this study to guide the selection of an optimal boundary detection method can be broadly applied to imaging-based studies of condensates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoming Gao
- Biophysics Graduate Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Center for RNA Biomedicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
| | - Nils G Walter
- Center for RNA Biomedicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
- Department of Chemistry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States
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16
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Zhang YP, Wang ZG, Tian YF, Jiang LH, Zhao L, Kong DM, Li X, Pang DW, Liu SL. In Situ Self-Assembly of Fluorogenic RNA Nanozipper Enables Real-Time Imaging of Single Viral mRNA Translation. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202217230. [PMID: 37082873 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202217230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Real-time visualization of individual viral mRNA translation activities in live cells is essential to obtain critical details of viral mRNA dynamics and to detect its transient responses to environmental stress. Fluorogenic RNA aptamers are powerful tools for real-time imaging of mRNA in live cells, but monitoring the translation activity of individual mRNAs remains a challenge due to their intrinsic photophysical properties. Here, we develop a genetically encoded turn-on 3,5-difluoro-4-hydroxybenzylidene imidazolinone (DFHBI)-binding RNA nanozipper with superior brightness and high photostability by in situ self-assembly of multiple nanozippers along single mRNAs. The nanozipper enables real-time imaging of the mobility and dynamic translation of individual viral mRNAs in live cells, providing information on the spatial dynamics and translational elongation rate of viral mRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Center for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, and School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Center for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, and School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Fan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Center for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, and School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Lin-Han Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Center for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, and School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Liang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Center for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, and School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - De-Ming Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Center for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, and School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
| | - Xing Li
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Dai-Wen Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Center for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, and School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, China
| | - Shu-Lin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Biosensing and Molecular Recognition, Research Center for Analytical Sciences, College of Chemistry, and School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, P. R. China
- Engineering Research Center of Nano Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China
- Haihe Laboratory of Sustainable Chemical Transformations, Tianjin, 300192, China
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17
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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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18
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Heeney M, Frank MH. The mRNA mobileome: challenges and opportunities for deciphering signals from the noise. THE PLANT CELL 2023; 35:1817-1833. [PMID: 36881847 DOI: 10.1093/plcell/koad063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Organismal communication entails encoding a message that is sent over space or time to a recipient cell, where that message is decoded to activate a downstream response. Defining what qualifies as a functional signal is essential for understanding intercellular communication. In this review, we delve into what is known and unknown in the field of long-distance messenger RNA (mRNA) movement and draw inspiration from the field of information theory to provide a perspective on what defines a functional signaling molecule. Although numerous studies support the long-distance movement of hundreds to thousands of mRNAs through the plant vascular system, only a small handful of these transcripts have been associated with signaling functions. Deciphering whether mobile mRNAs generally serve a role in plant communication has been challenging, due to our current lack of understanding regarding the factors that influence mRNA mobility. Further insight into unsolved questions regarding the nature of mobile mRNAs could provide an understanding of the signaling potential of these macromolecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Heeney
- Plant Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, 14853 Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Margaret H Frank
- Plant Biology Section, School of Integrative Plant Science, Cornell University, 14853 Ithaca, NY, USA
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19
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Tang H, Peng J, Jiang X, Peng S, Wang F, Weng X, Zhou X. A CRISPR-Cas and Tat Peptide with Fluorescent RNA Aptamer System for Signal Amplification in RNA Imaging. BIOSENSORS 2023; 13:293. [PMID: 36832059 PMCID: PMC9954185 DOI: 10.3390/bios13020293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
We reported on an efficient RNA imaging strategy based on a CRISPR-Cas and Tat peptide with a fluorescent RNA aptamer (TRAP-tag). Using modified CRISPR-Cas RNA hairpin binding proteins fused with a Tat peptide array that recruits modified RNA aptamers, this simple and sensitive strategy is capable of visualizing endogenous RNA in cells with high precision and efficiency. In addition, the modular design of the CRISPR-TRAP-tag facilitates the substitution of sgRNAs, RNA hairpin binding proteins, and aptamers in order to optimize imaging quality and live cell affinity. With CRISPR-TRAP-tag, exogenous GCN4, endogenous mRNA MUC4, and lncRNA SatIII were distinctly visualized in single live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heng Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Center for Gene Diagnosis, Program of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, The Institute for Advanced Studies, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, The Institute for Advanced Studies, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Junran Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Center for Gene Diagnosis, Program of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, The Institute for Advanced Studies, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, The Institute for Advanced Studies, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Center for Gene Diagnosis, Program of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, The Institute for Advanced Studies, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, The Institute for Advanced Studies, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Shuang Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Center for Gene Diagnosis, Program of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, The Institute for Advanced Studies, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, The Institute for Advanced Studies, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Fang Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiaocheng Weng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Center for Gene Diagnosis, Program of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, The Institute for Advanced Studies, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, The Institute for Advanced Studies, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Center for Gene Diagnosis, Program of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education, The Institute for Advanced Studies, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Allergy and Immunology, The Institute for Advanced Studies, College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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20
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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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21
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Mi L, Yu Q, Mudiyanselage APK, Wu R, Sun Z, Zheng R, Ren K, You M. Genetically Encoded RNA-Based Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) Sensors. ACS Sens 2023; 8:308-316. [PMID: 36608281 PMCID: PMC10630924 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c02213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RNA-based nanostructures and molecular devices have become popular for developing biosensors and genetic regulators. These programmable RNA nanodevices can be genetically encoded and modularly engineered to detect various cellular targets and then induce output signals, most often a fluorescence readout. Although powerful, the high reliance of fluorescence on the external excitation light raises concerns about its high background, photobleaching, and phototoxicity. Bioluminescence signals can be an ideal complementary readout for these genetically encoded RNA nanodevices. However, RNA-based real-time bioluminescent reporters have been rarely developed. In this study, we reported the first type of genetically encoded RNA-based bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) sensors that can be used for real-time target detection in living cells. By coupling a luciferase bioluminescence donor with a fluorogenic RNA-based acceptor, our BRET system can be modularly designed to image and detect various cellular analytes. We expect that this novel RNA-based bioluminescent system can be potentially used broadly in bioanalysis and nanomedicine for engineering biosensors, characterizing cellular RNA-protein interactions, and high-throughput screening or in vivo imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Mi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Qikun Yu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | | | - Rigumula Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Zhining Sun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Ru Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Kewei Ren
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, China
| | - Mingxu You
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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22
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Bühler B, Schokolowski J, Benderoth A, Englert D, Grün F, Jäschke A, Sunbul M. Avidity-based bright and photostable light-up aptamers for single-molecule mRNA imaging. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:478-487. [PMID: 36658339 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01228-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent light-up aptamers (FLAPs) have emerged as valuable tools to visualize RNAs, but are mostly limited by their poor brightness, low photostability, and high fluorescence background in live cells. Exploiting the avidity concept, here we present two of the brightest FLAPs with the strongest aptamer-dye interaction, high fluorogenicity, and remarkable photostability. They consist of dimeric fluorophore-binding aptamers (biRhoBAST and biSiRA) embedded in an RNA scaffold and their bivalent fluorophore ligands (bivalent tetramethylrhodamine TMR2 and silicon rhodamine SiR2). Red fluorescent biRhoBAST-TMR2 and near-infrared fluorescent biSiRA-SiR2 are orthogonal to each other, facilitating simultaneous visualization of two different RNA species in live cells. One copy of biRhoBAST allows for simple and robust mRNA imaging with strikingly higher signal-to-background ratios than other FLAPs. Moreover, eight biRhoBAST repeats enable single-molecule mRNA imaging and tracking with minimal perturbation of their localization, translation, and degradation, demonstrating the potential of avidity-enhanced FLAPs for imaging RNA dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bastian Bühler
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Janin Schokolowski
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja Benderoth
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daniel Englert
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Franziska Grün
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Andres Jäschke
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Murat Sunbul
- Institute of Pharmacy and Molecular Biotechnology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
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23
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Hou Q, Jaffrey SR. Synthetic biology tools to promote the folding and function of RNA aptamers in mammalian cells. RNA Biol 2023; 20:198-206. [PMID: 37129556 PMCID: PMC10155629 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2023.2206248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA aptamers are structured RNAs that can bind to diverse ligands, including proteins, metabolites, and other small molecules. RNA aptamers are widely used as in vitro affinity reagents. However, RNA aptamers have not been highly successful as bioactive intracellular molecules that can bind target molecules and influence cellular processes. We describe how poor RNA aptamer expression and especially poor RNA aptamer folding have limited the use of RNA aptamers in RNA synthetic biology applications. We discuss innovative new approaches that promote RNA aptamer folding in living cells and how these approaches have improved the function of aptamers in mammalian cells. These new approaches are making RNA aptamer-based synthetic biology and RNA aptamer therapeutic applications much more achievable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Hou
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, The Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samie R. Jaffrey
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, The Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
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24
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Huang Z, Guo X, Ma X, Wang F, Jiang JH. Genetically encodable tagging and sensing systems for fluorescent RNA imaging. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 219:114769. [PMID: 36252312 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2022.114769] [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: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/06/2022]
Abstract
Live cell imaging of RNAs is crucial to interrogate their fundamental roles in various biological processes. The highly spatiotemporal dynamic nature of RNA abundance and localization has presented great challenges for RNA imaging. Genetically encodable tagging and sensing (GETS) systems that can be continuously produced in living systems have afforded promising tools for imaging and sensing RNA dynamics in live cells. Here we review the recent advances of GETS systems that have been developed for RNA tagging and sensing in live cells. We first describe the various GETS systems using MS2-bacteriophage-MS2 coat protein, pumilio homology domain and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9/13 for RNA labeling and tracking. The progresses of GETS systems for fluorogenic labeling and/or sensing RNAs by engineering light-up RNA aptamers, CRISPR-Cas9 systems and RNA aptamer stabilized fluorogenic proteins are then elaborated. The challenges and future perspectives in this field are finally discussed. With the continuing development, GETS systems will afford powerful tools to elucidate RNA biology in living systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Xianbo Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China
| | - Fenglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China.
| | - Jian-Hui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, 410082, PR China.
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Samuel AZ, Sugiyama K, Ando M, Takeyama H. Direct imaging of intracellular RNA, DNA, and liquid-liquid phase separated membraneless organelles with Raman microspectroscopy. Commun Biol 2022; 5:1383. [PMID: 36528668 PMCID: PMC9759543 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-04342-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Methodologies for direct intracellular imaging of RNA and DNA are necessary for the advancement of bioimaging. Here we show direct label-free imaging of RNA and DNA in single cells by isolating their accurate Raman spectra. Raman images of DNA from interphase cells show intact nucleus, while those from mitotic cells reveal condensed chromosome. The condensed chromosome images are accurate enough to assign the stage of mitotic cell division (e.g., metaphase). Raman spectral features indicate B-DNA double helical conformational form in all the cell lines investigated here. The Raman images of RNAs, on the other hand, reveal liquid-liquid phase separated (LLPS) membraneless organelles in interphase cells, which disappears during mitosis. Further, the Raman spectrum of proteins from the intracellular LLPS organelles indicates slight enrichment of amyloid-like secondary structural features. Vibrational imaging of intracellular DNA and RNA simultaneously would open myriad of opportunities for examining functional biochemical aspects of cells and organelles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashok Zachariah Samuel
- Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovations, Waseda University, 513, Wasedatsurumaki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-0041, Japan.
| | - Kaori Sugiyama
- Institute for Advanced Research of Biosystem Dynamics, Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan
| | - Masahiro Ando
- Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovations, Waseda University, 513, Wasedatsurumaki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-0041, Japan
| | - Haruko Takeyama
- Research Organization for Nano and Life Innovations, Waseda University, 513, Wasedatsurumaki-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-0041, Japan.
- Institute for Advanced Research of Biosystem Dynamics, Waseda Research Institute for Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan.
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, Waseda University, 2-2 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-8480, Japan.
- Computational Bio Big-Data Open Innovation Laboratory, AIST-Waseda University, Japan, 3-4-1 Okubo, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 169-8555, Japan.
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26
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Yang LZ, Gao BQ, Huang Y, Wang Y, Yang L, Chen LL. Multi-color RNA imaging with CRISPR-Cas13b systems in living cells. CELL INSIGHT 2022; 1:100044. [PMID: 37192858 PMCID: PMC10120316 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellin.2022.100044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Visualizing RNA dynamics is important for understanding RNA function. Catalytically dead (d) CRISPR-Cas13 systems have been established to image and track RNAs in living cells, but efficient dCas13 for RNA imaging is still limited. Here, we analyzed metagenomic and bacterial genomic databases to comprehensively screen Cas13 homologies for their RNA labeling capabilities in living mammalian cells. Among eight previously unreported dCas13 proteins that can be used for RNA labeling, dHgm4Cas13b and dMisCas13b displayed comparable, if not higher, efficiencies to the best-known ones when targeting endogenous MUC4 and NEAT1_2 by single guide (g) RNAs. Further examination of the labeling robustness of different dCas13 systems using the GCN4 repeats revealed that a minimum of 12 GCN4 repeats was required for dHgm4Cas13b and dMisCas13b imaging at the single RNA molecule level, while >24 GCN4 repeats were required for reported dLwaCas13a, dRfxCas13d and dPguCas13b. Importantly, by silencing pre-crRNA processing activity of dMisCas13b (ddMisCas13b) and further incorporating RNA aptamers including PP7, MS2, Pepper or BoxB to individual gRNAs, a CRISPRpalette system was developed to successfully achieve multi-color RNA visualization in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang-Zhong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Bao-Qing Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Youkui Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Yang
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Children's Hospital, Fudan University and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling-Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Andrology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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27
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Sun P, Zou W. Research progress of live-cell RNA imaging techniques. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2022; 51:362-372. [PMID: 36207827 PMCID: PMC9511491 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2022-0017] [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: 01/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
RNA molecules play diverse roles in many physiological and pathological processes as they interact with various nucleic acids and proteins. The various biological processes of RNA are highly dynamic. Tracking RNA dynamics in living cells is crucial for a better understanding of the spatiotemporal control of gene expression and the regulatory roles of RNA. Genetically encoded RNA-tagging systems include MS2/MCP, PP7/PCP, boxB/λN22 and CRISPR-Cas. The MS2/MCP system is the most widely applied, and it has the advantages of stable binding and high signal-to-noise ratio, while the realization of RNA imaging requires gene editing of the target RNA, which may change the characteristics of the target RNA. Recently developed CRISPR-dCas13 system does not require RNA modification, but the uncertainty in CRISPR RNA (crRNA) efficiency and low signal-to-noise ratio are its limitations. Fluorescent dye-based RNA-tagging systems include molecular beacons and fluorophore-binding aptamers. The molecular beacons have high specificity and high signal-to-noise ratio; Mango and Peppers outperform the other RNA-tagging system in signal-to-noise, but they also need gene editing. Live-cell RNA imaging allows us to visualize critical steps of RNA activities, including transcription, splicing, transport, translation (for message RNA only) and subcellular localization. It will contribute to studying biological processes such as cell differentiation and the transcriptional regulation mechanism when cells adapt to the external environment, and it improves our understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of various diseases caused by abnormal RNA behavior and helps to find potential therapeutic targets. This review provides an overview of current progress of live-cell RNA imaging techniques and highlights their major strengths and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pingping Sun
- 1. The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, Zhejiang Province, China
- 2. Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wei Zou
- 1. The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu 322000, Zhejiang Province, China
- 2. Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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28
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Le P, Ahmed N, Yeo GW. Illuminating RNA biology through imaging. Nat Cell Biol 2022; 24:815-824. [PMID: 35697782 PMCID: PMC11132331 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-022-00933-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
RNA processing plays a central role in accurately transmitting genetic information into functional RNA and protein regulators. To fully appreciate the RNA life-cycle, tools to observe RNA with high spatial and temporal resolution are critical. Here we review recent advances in RNA imaging and highlight how they will propel the field of RNA biology. We discuss current trends in RNA imaging and their potential to elucidate unanswered questions in RNA biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong Le
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Stem Cell Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Noorsher Ahmed
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Stem Cell Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Gene W Yeo
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Stem Cell Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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29
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Wang Q, Xiao F, Su H, Liu H, Xu J, Tang H, Qin S, Fang Z, Lu Z, Wu J, Weng X, Zhou X. Inert Pepper aptamer-mediated endogenous mRNA recognition and imaging in living cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:e84. [PMID: 35580055 PMCID: PMC9371900 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of RNA aptamers/fluorophores system is highly desirable for understanding the dynamic molecular biology of RNAs in vivo. Peppers-based imaging systems have been reported and applied for mRNA imaging in living cells. However, the need to insert corresponding RNA aptamer sequences into target RNAs and relatively low fluorescence signal limit its application in endogenous mRNA imaging. Herein, we remolded the original Pepper aptamer and developed a tandem array of inert Pepper (iPepper) fluorescence turn-on system. iPepper allows for efficient and selective imaging of diverse endogenous mRNA species in live cells with minimal agitation of the target mRNAs. We believe iPepper would significantly expand the applications of the aptamer/fluorophore system in endogenous mRNA imaging, and it has the potential to become a powerful tool for real-time studies in living cells and biological processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Luojiashan Street, Wuchang District, Wuhan, HuBei 430072, PR China
| | - Feng Xiao
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Luojiashan Street, Wuchang District, Wuhan, HuBei 430072, PR China
| | - Haomiao Su
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Luojiashan Street, Wuchang District, Wuhan, HuBei 430072, PR China.,Department of Chemistry, Yale University, 225 Prospect Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Hui Liu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Luojiashan Street, Wuchang District, Wuhan, HuBei 430072, PR China
| | - Jinglei Xu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Luojiashan Street, Wuchang District, Wuhan, HuBei 430072, PR China
| | - Heng Tang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Luojiashan Street, Wuchang District, Wuhan, HuBei 430072, PR China
| | - Shanshan Qin
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Luojiashan Street, Wuchang District, Wuhan, HuBei 430072, PR China
| | - Zhentian Fang
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Luojiashan Street, Wuchang District, Wuhan, HuBei 430072, PR China
| | - Ziang Lu
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Luojiashan Street, Wuchang District, Wuhan, HuBei 430072, PR China
| | - Jian Wu
- School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Luojiashan Street, Wuchang District, Wuhan, HuBei 430072, PR China
| | - Xiaocheng Weng
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Luojiashan Street, Wuchang District, Wuhan, HuBei 430072, PR China
| | - Xiang Zhou
- College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers-Ministry of Education, Wuhan University, Luojiashan Street, Wuchang District, Wuhan, HuBei 430072, PR China.,The Institute of Advanced Studies, Wuhan University, Luojiashan Street, Wuchang District, Wuhan, HuBei 430072, PR China
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30
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Li H, Warden AR, He J, Shen G, Ding X. Expansion microscopy with ninefold swelling (NIFS) hydrogel permits cellular ultrastructure imaging on conventional microscope. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabm4006. [PMID: 35507653 PMCID: PMC9067917 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abm4006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Superresolution microscopy enables probing of cellular ultrastructures. However, its widespread applications are limited by the need for expensive machinery, specific hardware, and sophisticated data processing. Expansion microscopy (ExM) improves the resolution of conventional microscopy by physically expanding biological specimens before imaging and currently provides ~70-nm resolution, which still lags behind that of modern superresolution microscopy (~30 nm). Here, we demonstrate a ninefold swelling (NIFS) hydrogel, that can reduce ExM resolution to 31 nm when using regular traditional microscopy. We also design a detachable chip that integrates all the experimental operations to facilitate the maximal reproducibility of this high-resolution imaging technology. We demonstrate this technique on the superimaging of nuclear pore complex and clathrin-coated pits, whose structures can hardly be resolved by conventional microscopy. The method presented here offers a universal platform with superresolution imaging to unveil cellular ultrastructural details using standard conventional laboratory microscopes.
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31
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Zon G. Recent advances in aptamer applications for analytical biochemistry. Anal Biochem 2022; 644:113894. [PMID: 32763306 PMCID: PMC7403853 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2020.113894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aptamers are typically defined as relatively short (20-60 nucleotides) single-stranded DNA or RNA molecules that bind with high affinity and specificity to various types of targets. Aptamers are frequently referred to as "synthetic antibodies" but are easier to obtain, less expensive to produce, and in several ways more versatile than antibodies. The beginnings of aptamers date back to 1990, and since then there has been a continual increase in aptamer publications. The intent of the present account was to focus on recent original research publications, i.e., those appearing in 2019 through April 2020, when this account was written. A Google Scholar search of this recent literature was performed for relevance-ranking of articles. New methods for selection of aptamers were not included. Nine categories of applications were organized and representative examples of each are given. Finally, an outlook is offered focusing on "faster, better, cheaper" application performance factors as key drivers for future innovations in aptamer applications.
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32
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Moretti J, Jia B, Hutchins Z, Roy S, Yip H, Wu J, Shan M, Jaffrey SR, Coers J, Blander JM. Caspase-11 interaction with NLRP3 potentiates the noncanonical activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Nat Immunol 2022; 23:705-717. [PMID: 35487985 PMCID: PMC9106893 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-022-01192-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Caspase-11 detection of intracellular lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from invasive Gram-negative bacteria mediates noncanonical activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. While avirulent bacteria do not invade the cytosol, their presence in tissues necessitates clearance and immune system mobilization. Despite sharing LPS, only live avirulent Gram-negative bacteria activate the NLRP3 inflammasome. Here, we found that bacterial mRNA, which signals bacterial viability, was required alongside LPS for noncanonical activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages. Concurrent detection of bacterial RNA by NLRP3 and binding of LPS by pro-caspase-11 mediated a pro-caspase-11-NLRP3 interaction before caspase-11 activation and inflammasome assembly. LPS binding to pro-caspase-11 augmented bacterial mRNA-dependent assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome, while bacterial viability and an assembled NLRP3 inflammasome were necessary for activation of LPS-bound pro-caspase-11. Thus, the pro-caspase-11-NLRP3 interaction nucleated a scaffold for their interdependent activation explaining their functional reciprocal exclusivity. Our findings inform new vaccine adjuvant combinations and sepsis therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julien Moretti
- Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Baosen Jia
- Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zachary Hutchins
- Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Soumit Roy
- Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- 182 E 95th St., New York, NY, USA
| | - Hilary Yip
- Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Meimei Shan
- Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
- Patch Biosciences, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jörn Coers
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Immunology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - J Magarian Blander
- Jill Roberts Institute for Research in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA.
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Medicine Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, USA.
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33
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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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34
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Cawte AD, Iino H, Unrau PJ, Rueda DS. Single-Molecule RNA Imaging Using Mango II Arrays. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2404:267-280. [PMID: 34694614 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1851-6_14] [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: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, fluorogenic RNA aptamers, such as Spinach, Broccoli, Corn, Mango, Coral, and Pepper have gathered traction as an efficient alternative labeling strategy for background-free imaging of cellular RNAs. However, their application has been somewhat limited by relatively inefficient folding and fluorescent stability. With the recent advent of novel RNA-Mango variants which are improved in both fluorescence intensity and folding stability in tandem arrays, it is now possible to image RNAs with single-molecule sensitivity. Here we discuss the protocol for imaging Mango II tagged RNAs in both fixed and live cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam D Cawte
- Single Molecule Imaging Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK
- Section of Virology, Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Developmental Epigenetics, Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Haruki Iino
- Single Molecule Imaging Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK
- Section of Virology, Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Peter J Unrau
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada.
| | - David S Rueda
- Single Molecule Imaging Group, MRC London Institute of Medical Sciences, London, UK.
- Section of Virology, Department of Infectious Disease, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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35
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Jo Y, Jang J, Song D, Park H, Jung Y. Determinants for intrinsically disordered protein recruitment into phase-separated protein condensates. Chem Sci 2022; 13:522-530. [PMID: 35126984 PMCID: PMC8729795 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc05672g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Multivalent interactions between amino acid residues of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) drive phase separation of these proteins into liquid condensates, forming various membrane-less organelles in cells. These interactions between often biased residues of IDPs are also likely involved in selective recruitment of many other IDPs into condensates. However, determining factors for this IDP recruitment into protein condensates are not understood yet. Here, we quantitatively examined recruitment tendencies of various IDPs with different sequence compositions into IDP-clustered condensates both in vitro as well as in cells. Condensate-forming IDP scaffolds, recruited IDP clients, and phase separation conditions were carefully varied to find key factors for selective IDP partitioning in protein condensates. Regardless of scaffold sequences, charged residues in client IDPs assured potent IDP recruitment, likely via strong electrostatic interactions, where positive residues could further enhance recruitment, possibly with cation–pi interactions. Notably, poly-ethylene glycol, a widely used crowding reagent for in vitro phase separation, abnormally increased IDP recruitment, indicating the need for careful use of crowding conditions. Tyrosines of IDP clients also strongly participated in recruitment both in vitro and in cells. Lastly, we measured recruitment degrees by more conventional interactions between folded proteins instead of disordered proteins. Surprisingly, recruitment forces by an even moderate protein interaction (Kd ∼ 5 μM) were substantially stronger than those by natural IDP–IDP interactions. The present data offer valuable information on how cells might organize protein partitioning on various protein condensates. Diverse interactions between folded and disordered proteins collectively dictate selective protein recruitment into bimolecular condensates.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongsang Jo
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinyoung Jang
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Daesun Song
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoin Park
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongwon Jung
- Department of Chemistry, KAIST, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea
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36
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Hickey SM, Ung B, Bader C, Brooks R, Lazniewska J, Johnson IRD, Sorvina A, Logan J, Martini C, Moore CR, Karageorgos L, Sweetman MJ, Brooks DA. Fluorescence Microscopy-An Outline of Hardware, Biological Handling, and Fluorophore Considerations. Cells 2021; 11:35. [PMID: 35011596 PMCID: PMC8750338 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorescence microscopy has become a critical tool for researchers to understand biological processes at the cellular level. Micrographs from fixed and live-cell imaging procedures feature in a plethora of scientific articles for the field of cell biology, but the complexities of fluorescence microscopy as an imaging tool can sometimes be overlooked or misunderstood. This review seeks to cover the three fundamental considerations when designing fluorescence microscopy experiments: (1) hardware availability; (2) amenability of biological models to fluorescence microscopy; and (3) suitability of imaging agents for intended applications. This review will help equip the reader to make judicious decisions when designing fluorescence microscopy experiments that deliver high-resolution and informative images for cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane M. Hickey
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (C.B.); (R.B.); (J.L.); (I.R.D.J.); (A.S.); (J.L.); (C.M.); (C.R.M.); (L.K.); (M.J.S.); (D.A.B.)
| | - Ben Ung
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide 5000, Australia; (C.B.); (R.B.); (J.L.); (I.R.D.J.); (A.S.); (J.L.); (C.M.); (C.R.M.); (L.K.); (M.J.S.); (D.A.B.)
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37
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Liu J, Yang LZ, Chen LL. Understanding lncRNA-protein assemblies with imaging and single-molecule approaches. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2021; 72:128-137. [PMID: 34933201 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) associate with RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) to form lncRNA-protein complexes that act in a wide range of biological processes. Understanding the molecular mechanism of how a lncRNA-protein complex is assembled and regulated is key for their cellular functions. In this mini-review, we outline molecular methods used to identify lncRNA-protein interactions from large-scale to individual levels using bulk cells as well as those recently developed imaging and single-molecule approaches that are capable of visualizing RNA-protein assemblies in single cells and in real-time. Focusing on the latter group of approaches, we discuss their applications and limitations, which nevertheless have enabled quantification and comprehensive dissection of RNA-protein interactions possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaquan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| | - Liang-Zhong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China
| | - Ling-Ling Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai, 200031, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China; School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
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38
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Zhou WJ, Li H, Zhang KK, Wang F, Chu X, Jiang JH. Genetically Encoded Sensor Enables Endogenous RNA Imaging with Conformation-Switching Induced Fluorogenic Proteins. J Am Chem Soc 2021; 143:14394-14401. [PMID: 34431301 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.1c07719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Genetically encoded molecular tools are crucial for live cell RNA imaging, and few are available for endogenous RNA imaging. We develop a new genetically encoded sensor using conformation switching RNA induced fluorogenic proteins that enable multicolor and signal-amplified imaging of endogenous RNAs. The sensor system is designed with an RNA sensing module and a degron-fused fluorescent protein reporter. Target RNA induces conformation switching of the RNA sensing module to form RNA aptamers that stabilize the degron-fused protein for fluorogenic imaging. This sensor is demonstrated for high-contrast imaging of survivin mRNA abundance and dynamics in live cells. Moreover, the sensor system is extended to a multicolor palette by screening fluorogenic proteins of distinct colors, and engineered into a signal amplifier using the split fluorescent protein design. The sensor is further exploited for imaging lncRNA MALAT-1 and its translocation dynamics during mitosis. Our sensor system can afford a valuable platform for RNA imaging in biomedical research and clinical theranostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jing Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Hua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Ke-Ke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Fenglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Xia Chu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
| | - Jian-Hui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, P. R. China
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39
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A Novel Regulatory Player in the Innate Immune System: Long Non-Coding RNAs. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179535. [PMID: 34502451 PMCID: PMC8430513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) represent crucial transcriptional and post-transcriptional gene regulators during antimicrobial responses in the host innate immune system. Studies have shown that lncRNAs are expressed in a highly tissue- and cell-specific- manner and are involved in the differentiation and function of innate immune cells, as well as inflammatory and antiviral processes, through versatile molecular mechanisms. These lncRNAs function via the interactions with DNA, RNA, or protein in either cis or trans pattern, relying on their specific sequences or their transcriptions and processing. The dysregulation of lncRNA function is associated with various human non-infectious diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes mellitus. Here, we provide an overview of the regulation and mechanisms of lncRNA function in the development and differentiation of innate immune cells, and during the activation or repression of innate immune responses. These elucidations might be beneficial for the development of therapeutic strategies targeting inflammatory and innate immune-mediated diseases.
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40
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Basyuk E, Rage F, Bertrand E. RNA transport from transcription to localized translation: a single molecule perspective. RNA Biol 2021; 18:1221-1237. [PMID: 33111627 PMCID: PMC8354613 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2020.1842631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Transport of mRNAs is an important step of gene expression, which brings the genetic message from the DNA in the nucleus to a precise cytoplasmic location in a regulated fashion. Perturbation of this process can lead to pathologies such as developmental and neurological disorders. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the field of mRNA transport made using single molecule fluorescent imaging approaches. We present an overview of these approaches in fixed and live cells and their input in understanding the key steps of mRNA journey: transport across the nucleoplasm, export through the nuclear pores and delivery to its final cytoplasmic location. This review puts a particular emphasis on the coupling of mRNA transport with translation, such as localization-dependent translational regulation and translation-dependent mRNA localization. We also highlight the recently discovered translation factories, and how cellular and viral RNAs can hijack membrane transport systems to travel in the cytoplasm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Basyuk
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS-UMR9002, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Present address: Laboratoire de Microbiologie Fondamentale et Pathogénicité, CNRS-UMR 5234, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Florence Rage
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS-UMR5535, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Edouard Bertrand
- Institut de Génétique Humaine, CNRS-UMR9002, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, CNRS-UMR5535, Univ Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Equipe Labélisée Ligue Nationale Contre Le Cancer, Montpellier, France
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41
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Wu Q, Dai P, Wang Y, Zhang J, Li M, Zhang KY, Liu S, Huang W, Zhao Q. Time-resolved analysis of photoluminescence at a single wavelength for ratiometric and multiplex biosensing and bioimaging. Chem Sci 2021; 12:11020-11027. [PMID: 34522299 PMCID: PMC8386655 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc02811a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simultaneous analysis of luminescence signals of multiple probes can improve the accuracy and efficiency of biosensing and bioimaging. Analysis of multiple signals at different wavelengths usually suffers from spectral overlap, possible energy transfer, and difference in detection efficiency. Herein, we reported a polymeric luminescent probe, which was composed of a phenothiazine-based fluorescent compound and a phosphorescent iridium(iii) complex. Both luminophores emitted at around 600 nm but their luminescence lifetimes are 160 times different, allowing time-resolved independent analysis. As the fluorescence was enhanced in response to oxidation by hypochlorite and the phosphorescence was sensitive toward oxygen quenching, a four-dimensional relationship between luminescence intensity, fluorescence/phosphorescence ratio, hypochlorite concentration, and oxygen content was established. In cellular imaging, time-resolved photoluminescence imaging microscopy clearly showed the independent fluorescence response toward hypochlorite and phosphorescence response toward oxygen in separated time intervals. This work opens up a new idea for the development of multiplex biosensing and bioimaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biosensors, Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Institute of Flexible Electronics (Future Technology), Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
| | - Peiling Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biosensors, Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Institute of Flexible Electronics (Future Technology), Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
| | - Yun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biosensors, Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Institute of Flexible Electronics (Future Technology), Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
| | - Jin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biosensors, Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Institute of Flexible Electronics (Future Technology), Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
| | - Meng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biosensors, Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Institute of Flexible Electronics (Future Technology), Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
| | - Kenneth Yin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biosensors, Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Institute of Flexible Electronics (Future Technology), Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
| | - Shujuan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biosensors, Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Institute of Flexible Electronics (Future Technology), Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biosensors, Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Institute of Flexible Electronics (Future Technology), Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications Nanjing 210023 P. R. China .,Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics (FSCFE), Shaanxi Institute of Flexible Electronics (SIFE), Northwestern Polytechnical University (NPU) Xi'an 710072 China.,Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics (KLOFE), Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Nanjing Tech University (NanjingTech) 30 South Puzhu Road Nanjing 211816 China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Electronics and Information Displays, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Biosensors, Institute of Advanced Materials (IAM), Institute of Flexible Electronics (Future Technology), Nanjing University of Posts & Telecommunications Nanjing 210023 P. R. China
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42
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Suomalainen M, Greber UF. Virus Infection Variability by Single-Cell Profiling. Viruses 2021; 13:1568. [PMID: 34452433 PMCID: PMC8402812 DOI: 10.3390/v13081568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-to-cell variability of infection has long been known, yet it has remained one of the least understood phenomena in infection research. It impacts on disease onset and development, yet only recently underlying mechanisms have been studied in clonal cell cultures by single-virion immunofluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. In this review, we showcase how single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), single-molecule RNA-fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (click) with alkynyl-tagged viral genomes dissect infection variability in human and mouse cells. We show how the combined use of scRNA-FISH and click-chemistry reveals highly variable onsets of adenoviral gene expression, and how single live cell plaques reveal lytic and nonlytic adenovirus transmissions. The review highlights how scRNA-seq profiling and scRNA-FISH of coxsackie, influenza, dengue, zika, and herpes simplex virus infections uncover transcriptional variability, and how the host interferon response tunes influenza and sendai virus infections. We introduce the concept of "cell state" in infection variability, and conclude with advances by single-cell simultaneous measurements of chromatin accessibility and mRNA counts at high-throughput. Such technology will further dissect the sequence of events in virus infection and pathology, and better characterize the genetic and genomic stability of viruses, cell autonomous innate immune responses, and mechanisms of tissue injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarit Suomalainen
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Urs F. Greber
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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43
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de Voogt WS, Tanenbaum ME, Vader P. Illuminating RNA trafficking and functional delivery by extracellular vesicles. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 174:250-264. [PMID: 33894328 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2021.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
RNA-based therapeutics are highly promising for the treatment of numerous diseases, by their ability to tackle the genetic origin in multiple possible ways. RNA molecules are, however, incapable of crossing cell membranes, hence a safe and efficient delivery vehicle is pivotal. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are endogenously derived nano-sized particles and possess several characteristics which make them excellent candidates as therapeutic RNA delivery agent. This includes the inherent capability to functionally transfer RNAs in a selective manner and an enhanced safety profile compared to synthetic particles. Nonetheless, the fundamental mechanisms underlying this selective inter- and intracellular trafficking and functional transfer of RNAs by EVs are poorly understood. Improving our understanding of these systems is a key element of working towards an EV-based or EV-mimicking system for the functional delivery of therapeutic RNA. In this review, state-of-the-art approaches to detect and visualize RNA in situ and in live cells are discussed, as well as strategies to assess functional RNA transfer, highlighting their potential in studying EV-RNA trafficking mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willemijn S de Voogt
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Marvin E Tanenbaum
- Oncode Institute, Hubrecht Institute-KNAW and University Medical Center, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Pieter Vader
- CDL Research, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Experimental Cardiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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44
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Putlyaeva LV, Lukyanov KA. Studying SARS-CoV-2 with Fluorescence Microscopy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6558. [PMID: 34207305 PMCID: PMC8234815 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus deeply affected the world community. It gave a strong impetus to the development of not only approaches to diagnostics and therapy, but also fundamental research of the molecular biology of this virus. Fluorescence microscopy is a powerful technology enabling detailed investigation of virus-cell interactions in fixed and live samples with high specificity. While spatial resolution of conventional fluorescence microscopy is not sufficient to resolve all virus-related structures, super-resolution fluorescence microscopy can solve this problem. In this paper, we review the use of fluorescence microscopy to study SARS-CoV-2 and related viruses. The prospects for the application of the recently developed advanced methods of fluorescence labeling and microscopy-which in our opinion can provide important information about the molecular biology of SARS-CoV-2-are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Konstantin A. Lukyanov
- Center of Life Sciences, Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, 121205 Moscow, Russia;
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45
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Silver nanocluster-lightened catalytic hairpin assembly for enzyme-free and label-free mRNA detection. Microchem J 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2021.106184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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46
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Yu Q, Ren K, You M. Genetically encoded RNA nanodevices for cellular imaging and regulation. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:7988-8003. [PMID: 33885099 PMCID: PMC8122502 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr08301a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based nanodevices have been widely used in the fields of biosensing and nanomedicine. Traditionally, the majority of these nanodevices were first constructed in vitro using synthetic DNA or RNA oligonucleotides and then delivered into cells. Nowadays, the emergence of genetically encoded RNA nanodevices has provided a promising alternative approach for intracellular analysis and regulation. These genetically encoded RNA-based nanodevices can be directly transcribed and continuously produced inside living cells. A variety of highly precise and programmable nanodevices have been constructed in this way during the last decade. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances in the design and function of these artificial genetically encoded RNA nanodevices. In particular, we will focus on their applications in regulating cellular gene expression, imaging, logic operation, structural biology, and optogenetics. We believe these versatile RNA-based nanodevices will be broadly used in the near future to probe and program cells and other biological systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qikun Yu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
| | - Kewei Ren
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
| | - Mingxu You
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
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47
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Biocompatible and noncytotoxic nucleoside-based AIEgens sensor for lighting-up nucleic acids. CHINESE CHEM LETT 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cclet.2021.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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48
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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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49
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Song L, Xiao M, Lai W, Li L, Wan Y, Pei H. Intracellular Logic Computation with Framework Nucleic
Acid‐Based
Circuits for
mRNA
Imaging
†. CHINESE J CHEM 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/cjoc.202000575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Song
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University 500 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200241 China
| | - Mingshu Xiao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University 500 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200241 China
| | - Wei Lai
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University 500 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200241 China
| | - Li Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University 500 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200241 China
| | - Ying Wan
- School of Mechanical Engineering Nanjing University of Science and Technology Nanjing Jiangsu 210094 China
| | - Hao Pei
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University 500 Dongchuan Road Shanghai 200241 China
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50
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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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