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Weng WH, Wang CY, Yan ZY, Lee HT, Kao CY, Chang CW. Isolation and characterizations of multidrug-resistant human cancer cells by a biodegradable nano-sensor. Biosens Bioelectron 2024; 249:115985. [PMID: 38219465 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Multidrug resistance (MDR) remains a significant challenge in cancer therapy, with inherent and acquired resistance distinct. While conventional drug selection processes enable the isolation of cancer cells with acquired multidrug resistance, identifying cancer cells with inherent drug resistance remains challenging. Herein, we proposed a molecular beacon (MB)-based strategy to identify and isolate the inherent MDR cancer cells. A lipid/PLGA core-shell nanoparticulate system (DNCP) was designed to deliver MB for intracellular MDR1 mRNA imaging. DNCP-MB - possess a surface potential of -8 mV and a size of 150 nm - demonstrated effective delivery of MB, remarkable selectivity towards the selected intracellular mRNA targets, and low cytotoxicity. Following DNCP transfection, fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) was employed to differentiate MCF-7 cells into two distinct sub-populations: the Top 10 cells with a high level of MDR gene expression and the Bottom 10 cells with a low level of MDR gene expression, which represent inherent drug-resistant and non-drug-resistant cells, respectively. Intriguingly, we observed a positive correlation between elevated MDR1 mRNA expression and increased migration, enhanced proliferation rate, and tighter spheroid formation. Moreover, we conducted RNA sequencing analysis on the Top 10, Bottom 10, and MCF-7/ADR cells. The findings revealed a notable disparity in the gene ontology enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes between the Top 10 and Bottom 10 cells when compared to the Bottom 10 and MCF-7/ADR cells. This novel approach provides a promising avenue for isolating inherent drug-resistant cells and holds significant potential in unraveling the mechanisms underlying inherent drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Han Weng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chu-Yun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Zi-Yu Yan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Hsiang-Tzu Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Cheng-Yuan Kao
- Immunology Research Center, National Health Research Institutes, Zhunan, Miaoli, 35053, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chien-Wen Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, 30013, Taiwan, ROC.
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2
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Zhao Y, Li Z, Li B, Wang C. DNA Windmill Probe for Multiplexed mRNA Detection and Cell Type Discrimination. Chemistry 2023; 29:e202301300. [PMID: 37314386 DOI: 10.1002/chem.202301300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Accurate cancer diagnosis especially early diagnosis is of great importance for prompt therapy and elevated survival rate. mRNAs are widely used as biomarkers for cancer identification and treatment. mRNA expression levels are highly associated with cancer stage and malignant progression. Nevertheless, single type mRNA detection is insufficient and unreliable. Herein, we developed a DNA nano-windmill probe for in situ multiplexed mRNAs detection and imaging in this paper. The probe is designed to simultaneously target four types of mRNA through wind blades. Importantly, recognition of targets is independent from each other, which further facilitate cell type discrimination. The probe can specifically distinguish cancer cell lines from normal cells. In addition, it can identify changes in mRNA expression levels in living cells. The current strategy enriches the toolbox for improving the accuracy of cancer diagnosis and therapeutic solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhao
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, China
| | - Zhihao Li
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, 010020, China
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Abstract
DNA walkers, which are synthetic nanodevices that drive the processive movement of nucleic acids along a well-designed track, have emerged as a powerful tool in biosynthesis, biocomputing, and biosensing due to their exquisite programmability, good biocompatibility, and efficient signal amplification capacity. However, many existing approaches are still hindered by limited reaction kinetics. Herein, we designed a dual spatially localized DNA walker that utilized bipedal catalysts to drive high-speed stochastic movement along three-dimensional tracks via a proximity-driven catalytic hairpin assembly. We demonstrated that the dual colocalization of autocatalytic circuits significantly increased their local concentrations and accelerated reaction kinetics through proximity. We also showed that the use of bipedal catalysts further improved reaction rates compared with unipedal catalysts. Taking advantage of these unique features, we constructed an RNA-responsive PCHA walker for mRNA imaging in live cells, providing a novel and efficient tool for biomolecule detection and biological functions regulation.
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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, China
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana─Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
| | - Xianbo Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Fengze Jiang
- Department of Chemistry, Pennsylvania State University─University Park, State College, Pennsylvania 16801, United States
| | - Rong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Zhenkun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Illinois at Urbana─Champaign, Urbana, Illinois 61801, United States
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Jo H, Beon J, Oh SS. Selective RNA Labeling by RNA-Compatible Type II Restriction Endonuclease and RNA-Extending DNA Polymerase. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:1674. [PMID: 36295109 DOI: 10.3390/life12101674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
RNAs not only offer valuable information regarding our bodies but also regulate cellular functions, allowing for their specific manipulations to be extensively explored for many different biological and clinical applications. In particular, rather than temporary hybridization, permanent labeling is often required to introduce functional tags to target RNAs; however, direct RNA labeling has been revealed to be challenging, as native RNAs possess unmodifiable chemical moieties or indefinable dummy sequences at the ends of their strands. In this work, we demonstrate the combinatorial use of RNA-compatible restriction endonucleases (REs) and RNA-extending polymerases for sequence-specific RNA cleavage and subsequent RNA functionalization. Upon the introduction of complementary DNAs to target RNAs, Type II REs, such as AvrII and AvaII, could precisely cut the recognition site in the RNA-DNA heteroduplexes with exceptionally high efficiency. Subsequently, the 3′ ends of the cleaved RNAs were selectively and effectively modified when Therminator DNA polymerase template-dependently extended the RNA primers with a variety of modified nucleotides. Based on this two-step RNA labeling, only the target RNA could be chemically labeled with the desired moieties, such as bioconjugation tags or fluorophores, even in a mixture of various RNAs, demonstrating the potential for efficient and direct RNA modifications.
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Diana A, Setzu MD, Kokaia Z, Nat R, Maxia C, Murtas D. SmartFlare TM is a reliable method for assessing mRNA expression in single neural stem cells. World J Stem Cells 2021; 13:1918-1927. [PMID: 35069990 PMCID: PMC8727230 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v13.i12.1918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One of the most challenging tasks of modern biology concerns the real-time tracking and quantification of mRNA expression in living cells. On this matter, a novel platform called SmartFlareTM has taken advantage of fluorophore-linked nanoconstructs for targeting RNA transcripts. Although fluorescence emission does not account for the spatial mRNA distribution, NanoFlare technology has grown a range of theranostic applications starting from detecting biomarkers related to diseases, such as cancer, neurodegenerative pathologies or embryonic developmental disorders.
AIM To investigate the potential of SmartFlareTM in determining time-dependent mRNA expression of prominin 1 (CD133) and octamer-binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) in single living cells through differentiation.
METHODS Brain fragments from the striatum of aborted human fetuses aged 8 wk postconception were processed to obtain neurospheres. For the in vitro differentiation, neurospheres were gently dissociated with Accutase solution. Single cells were resuspended in a basic medium enriched with fetal bovine serum, plated on poly-L-lysine-coated glass coverslips, and grown in a lapse of time from 1 to 4 wk. Live cell mRNA detection was performed using SmartFlareTM probes (CD133, Oct4, Actin, and Scramble). All the samples were incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. For nuclear staining, Hoechst 33342 was added. SmartFlareTM CD133- and OCT4-specific fluorescence signal was assessed using a semiquantitative visual approach, taking into account the fluorescence intensity and the number of labeled cells.
RESULTS In agreement with previous PCR experiments, a unique expression trend was observed for CD133 and OCT4 genes until 7 d in vitro (DIV). Fluorescence resulted in a mixture of diffuse cytoplasmic and spotted-like pattern, also detectable in the contacting neural branches. From 15 to 30 DIV, only few cells showed a scattered fluorescent pattern, in line with the differentiation progression and coherent with mRNA downregulation of these stemness-related genes.
CONCLUSION SmartFlareTM appears to be a reliable, easy-to-handle tool for investigating CD133 and OCT4 expression in a neural stem cell model, preserving cell biological properties in anticipation of downstream experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Diana
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato 09042, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Maria Dolores Setzu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato 09042, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Zaal Kokaia
- Laboratory of Stem Cells & Restorative Neurology, Lund Stem Cell Center, Lund University, Lund SE-221 84, Lund, Sweden
| | - Roxana Nat
- Institute of Neuroscience, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck 6020, Austria
| | - Cristina Maxia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato 09042, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniela Murtas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato 09042, Cagliari, Italy
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Ulrychová L, Ostašov P, Chanová M, Mareš M, Horn M, Dvořák J. Spatial expression pattern of serine proteases in the blood fluke Schistosoma mansoni determined by fluorescence RNA in situ hybridization. Parasit Vectors 2021; 14:274. [PMID: 34022917 PMCID: PMC8140508 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-021-04773-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The blood flukes of genus Schistosoma are the causative agent of schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease that infects more than 200 million people worldwide. Proteases of schistosomes are involved in critical steps of host–parasite interactions and are promising therapeutic targets. We recently identified and characterized a group of S1 family Schistosoma mansoni serine proteases, including SmSP1 to SmSP5. Expression levels of some SmSPs in S. mansoni are low, and by standard genome sequencing technologies they are marginally detectable at the method threshold levels. Here, we report their spatial gene expression patterns in adult S. mansoni by the high-sensitivity localization assay. Methodology Highly sensitive fluorescence in situ RNA hybridization (FISH) was modified and used for the localization of mRNAs encoding individual SmSP proteases (including low-expressed SmSPs) in tissues of adult worms. High sensitivity was obtained due to specifically prepared tissue and probes in combination with the employment of a signal amplification approach. The assay method was validated by detecting the expression patterns of a set of relevant reference genes including SmCB1, SmPOP, SmTSP-2, and Sm29 with localization formerly determined by other techniques. Results FISH analysis revealed interesting expression patterns of SmSPs distributed in multiple tissues of S. mansoni adults. The expression patterns of individual SmSPs were distinct but in part overlapping and were consistent with existing transcriptome sequencing data. The exception were genes with significantly low expression, which were also localized in tissues where they had not previously been detected by RNA sequencing methods. In general, SmSPs were found in various tissues including reproductive organs, parenchymal cells, esophagus, and the tegumental surface. Conclusions The FISH-based assay provided spatial information about the expression of five SmSPs in adult S. mansoni females and males. This highly sensitive method allowed visualization of low-abundantly expressed genes that are below the detection limits of standard in situ hybridization or by RNA sequencing. Thus, this technical approach turned out to be suitable for sensitive localization studies and may also be applicable for other trematodes. The results suggest that SmSPs may play roles in diverse processes of the parasite. Certain SmSPs expressed at the surface may be involved in host–parasite interactions. Graphic abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-021-04773-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lenka Ulrychová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Viničná 7, 12844, Prague 2, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Ostašov
- Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1655/76, 32300, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Marta Chanová
- Institute of Immunology and Microbiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Studničkova 2028/7, 12800, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Mareš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Horn
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Czech Academy of Sciences, Flemingovo n. 2, 16610, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Jan Dvořák
- Department of Zoology and Fisheries, Centre of Infectious Animal Diseases, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague, Kamýcká 129, 16500, Prague 6, Czech Republic.
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Raddaoui N, Croce S, Geiger F, Borodavka A, Möckl L, Stazzoni S, Viverge B, Bräuchle C, Frischmuth T, Engelke H, Carell T. Supersensitive Multifluorophore RNA-FISH for Early Virus Detection and Flow-FISH by Using Click Chemistry. Chembiochem 2020; 21:2214-2218. [PMID: 32187837 PMCID: PMC7496099 DOI: 10.1002/cbic.202000081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The reliable detection of transcription events through the quantification of the corresponding mRNA is of paramount importance for the diagnostics of infections and diseases. The quantification and localization analysis of the transcripts of a particular gene allows disease states to be characterized more directly compared to an analysis on the transcriptome wide level. This is particularly needed for the early detection of virus infections as now required for emergent viral diseases, e. g. Covid-19. In situ mRNA analysis, however, is a formidable challenge and currently performed with sets of single-fluorophore-containing oligonucleotide probes that hybridize to the mRNA in question. Often a large number of probe strands (>30) are required to get a reliable signal. The more oligonucleotide probes are used, however, the higher the potential off-target binding effects that create background noise. Here, we used click chemistry and alkyne-modified DNA oligonucleotides to prepare multiple-fluorophore-containing probes. We found that these multiple-dye probes allow reliable detection and direct visualization of mRNA with only a very small number (5-10) of probe strands. The new method enabled the in situ detection of viral transcripts as early as 4 hours after infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Raddaoui
- Department of ChemistryLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenButenandtstraße 5–1381377MunichGermany
| | - Stefano Croce
- Department of ChemistryLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenButenandtstraße 5–1381377MunichGermany
- Baseclick GmbHFloriansbogen 2–482061Neuried (MünchenGermany
| | - Florian Geiger
- Department of ChemistryLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenButenandtstraße 5–1381377MunichGermany
| | - Alexander Borodavka
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular BiologySchool of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of LeedsLeedsLS2 9JTUK
- Department of BiochemistryUniversity of CambridgeCambridgeCB2 1QWUK
| | - Leonhard Möckl
- Department of ChemistryLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenButenandtstraße 5–1381377MunichGermany
| | - Samuele Stazzoni
- Department of ChemistryLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenButenandtstraße 5–1381377MunichGermany
| | - Bastien Viverge
- Department of ChemistryLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenButenandtstraße 5–1381377MunichGermany
| | - Christoph Bräuchle
- Department of ChemistryLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenButenandtstraße 5–1381377MunichGermany
| | | | - Hanna Engelke
- Department of ChemistryLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenButenandtstraße 5–1381377MunichGermany
| | - Thomas Carell
- Department of ChemistryLudwig-Maximilians-Universität MünchenButenandtstraße 5–1381377MunichGermany
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Baptista PV. RNA Quantification Using Noble Metal Nanoprobes: Simultaneous Identification of Several Different mRNA Targets Using Color Multiplexing and Application to Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Diagnostics. Methods Mol Biol 2020; 2118:251-68. [PMID: 32152985 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0319-2_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Nanotechnology provides new tools for gene expression analysis that allow for sensitive and specific characterization of prognostic signatures related to cancer. Cancer is a complex disease where multiple gene loci contribute to the phenotype. The ability to simultaneously monitor differential expression originating from each locus allows for a more accurate indication into the degree of cancerous activity than either locus alone. Metal nanoparticles have been widely used as labels for in vitro identification and quantification of target sequences.Here we describe the synthesis of nanoparticles with different noble metal compositions in an alloy format that are then functionalized with thiol-modified ssDNA (nanoprobes). We also show how such nanoprobes are used in a non-cross-linking colorimetric method for the direct detection and quantification of specific mRNA targets, without the need for enzymatic amplification or reverse-transcription steps. The different metals in the alloy provide for distinct absorption spectra due to their characteristic plasmon resonance peaks. The color multiplexing allows for simultaneous identification of different mRNA targets involved in cancer development. A comparison of the absorption spectra of the nanoprobe mixtures taken before and after induced aggregation of metal nanoparticles allows to both identify and quantify each mRNA target. We describe the use of gold and gold-silver alloy nanoprobes for the development of the non-cross-linking method to detect a specific BCR-ABL fusion gene (e.g., e1a2 and e14a2) mRNA target associated with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) using 10 ng/μL of unamplified total human RNA. Additionally, we demonstrate the use of this approach for the direct diagnostics of CML. This simple methodology takes less than 50 min to complete after total RNA extraction with comparable specificity and sensitivity to the more commonly used methods.
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Yau A, Yu H, Chen Y. mRNA Detection with Fluorescence-base Imaging Techniques for Arthritis Diagnosis. J Rheumatol Res 2019; 1:39-46. [PMID: 33709083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Moros M, Kyriazi ME, El-Sagheer AH, Brown T, Tortiglione C, Kanaras AG. DNA-Coated Gold Nanoparticles for the Detection of mRNA in Live Hydra Vulgaris Animals. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2019; 11:13905-13911. [PMID: 30525369 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.8b17846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Advances in nanoparticle design have led to the development of nanoparticulate systems that can sense intracellular molecules, alter cellular processes, and release drugs to specific targets in vitro. In this work, we demonstrate that oligonucleotide-coated gold nanoparticles are suitable for the detection of mRNA in live Hydra vulgaris, a model organism, without affecting the animal's integrity. We specifically focus on the detection of Hymyc1 mRNA, which is responsible for the regulation of the balance between stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. Myc deregulation is found in more than half of human cancers, thus the ability to detect in vivo related mRNAs through innovative fluorescent systems is of outmost interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Moros
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "E.Caianiello" , Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Pozzuoli 80078 , Italy
| | | | - Afaf H El-Sagheer
- Department of Chemistry , University of Oxford , Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road , Oxford OX1 3TA , United Kingdom
- Chemistry Branch, Department of Science and Mathematics, Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering , Suez University , Suez 43721 , Egypt
| | - Tom Brown
- Department of Chemistry , University of Oxford , Chemistry Research Laboratory, 12 Mansfield Road , Oxford OX1 3TA , United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Tortiglione
- Istituto di Scienze Applicate e Sistemi Intelligenti "E.Caianiello" , Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche , Pozzuoli 80078 , Italy
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Bayer LV, Omar OS, Bratu DP, Catrina IE. PinMol: Python application for designing molecular beacons for live cell imaging of endogenous mRNAs. RNA 2019; 25:305-318. [PMID: 30573696 PMCID: PMC6380279 DOI: 10.1261/rna.069542.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Molecular beacons are nucleic acid oligomers labeled with a fluorophore and a quencher that fold in a hairpin-shaped structure, which fluoresce only when bound to their target RNA. They are used for the visualization of endogenous mRNAs in live cells. Here, we report a Python program (PinMol) that designs molecular beacons best suited for live cell imaging by using structural information from secondary structures of the target RNA, predicted via energy minimization approaches. PinMol takes into account the accessibility of the targeted regions, as well as the inter- and intramolecular interactions of each selected probe. To demonstrate its applicability, we synthesized an oskar mRNA-specific molecular beacon (osk1236), which is selected by PinMol to target a more accessible region than a manually designed oskar-specific molecular beacon (osk2216). We previously demonstrated osk2216 to be efficient in detecting oskar mRNA in in vivo experiments. Here, we show that osk1236 outperformed osk2216 in live cell imaging experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia V Bayer
- Biological Sciences Department, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Program in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Omar S Omar
- Biological Sciences Department, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Program in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Diana P Bratu
- Biological Sciences Department, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Program in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, The Graduate Center, City University of New York, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Irina E Catrina
- Biological Sciences Department, Hunter College, City University of New York, New York, New York 10065, USA
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12
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Chenab KK, Eivazzadeh-Keihan R, Maleki A, Pashazadeh-Panahi P, Hamblin MR, Mokhtarzadeh A. Biomedical applications of nanoflares: Targeted intracellular fluorescence probes. Nanomedicine 2019; 17:342-358. [PMID: 30826476 DOI: 10.1016/j.nano.2019.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Nanoflares are intracellular probes consisting of oligonucleotides immobilized on various nanoparticles that can recognize intracellular nucleic acids or other analytes, thus releasing a fluorescent reporter dye. Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) complementary to mRNA for a target gene is constructed containing a 3'-thiol for binding to gold nanoparticles. The ssDNA "recognition sequence" is prehybridized to a shorter DNA complement containing a fluorescent dye that is quenched. The functionalized gold nanoparticles are easily taken up into cells. When the ssDNA recognizes its complementary target, the fluorescent dye is released inside the cells. Different intracellular targets can be detected by nanoflares, such as mRNAs coding for genes over-expressed in cancer (epithelial-mesenchymal transition, oncogenes, thymidine kinase, telomerase, etc.), intracellular levels of ATP, pH values and inorganic ions can also be measured. Advantages include high transfection efficiency, enzymatic stability, good optical properties, biocompatibility, high selectivity and specificity. Multiplexed assays and FRET-based systems have been designed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Khanmohammadi Chenab
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Eivazzadeh-Keihan
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Maleki
- Catalysts and Organic Synthesis Research Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Iran University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paria Pashazadeh-Panahi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Gorgan Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Golestan Province, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Michael R Hamblin
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Dermatology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Biotechnology, Higher Education Institute of Rab-Rashid, Tabriz, Iran.
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Rabouille C. Detection of mRNA and Associated Molecules by ISH-IEM on Frozen Sections. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1649:177-86. [PMID: 29130197 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7213-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
The use of tagged RNA probes to directly hybridize frozen sections of chemically fixed tissues, followed by the tag detection with specific antibodies and gold conjugates form the core of the in situ hybridization (ISH)-immunoelectron microscopy (IEM) method that we have developed and successfully used to detect endogenous gurken and bicoid mRNAs in Drosophila oocytes.
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Kyriazi ME, Giust D, El-Sagheer AH, Lackie PM, Muskens OL, Brown T, Kanaras AG. Multiplexed mRNA Sensing and Combinatorial-Targeted Drug Delivery Using DNA-Gold Nanoparticle Dimers. ACS Nano 2018; 12:3333-3340. [PMID: 29557641 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b08620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
The design of nanoparticulate systems which can perform multiple synergistic functions in cells with high specificity and selectivity is of great importance in applications. Here we combine recent advances in DNA-gold nanoparticle self-assembly and sensing to develop gold nanoparticle dimers that are able to perform multiplexed synergistic functions within a cellular environment. These dimers can sense two mRNA targets and simultaneously or independently deliver one or two DNA-intercalating anticancer drugs (doxorubicin and mitoxantrone) in live cells. Our study focuses on the design of sophisticated nanoparticle assemblies with multiple and synergistic functions that have the potential to advance sensing and drug delivery in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Afaf H El-Sagheer
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory , University of Oxford , 12 Mansfield Road , Oxford OX1 3TA , United Kingdom
- Chemistry Branch, Department of Science and Mathematics, Faculty of Petroleum and Mining Engineering , Suez University , Suez 43721 , Egypt
| | - Peter M Lackie
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine , University of Southampton , Southampton SO16 6YD , United Kingdom
| | | | - Tom Brown
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory , University of Oxford , 12 Mansfield Road , Oxford OX1 3TA , United Kingdom
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15
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Abstract
In this chapter, we describe the detection of Ebola virus minigenomic mRNA using a nonradioactive Northern hybridization. This protocol comprises all steps beginning with the synthesis of a digoxigenin-labeled riboprobe, harvest of transcribed mRNA from cells transfected with the Ebola virus minigenome system, separation of mRNA species by denaturing RNA gel electrophoresis, transfer of the mRNA to nylon membranes by vacuum blotting, and finally the detection of minigenome-specific mRNA through hybridization with a labeled riboprobe directed against the reporter gene.This method allows the direct study of cis-acting regulatory regions as well as trans-acting factors involved in Ebola virus minigenome transcription compared to the indirect measurement of reporter protein activity that additionally reflects translational effects (see Chapter 6 in this book for details).
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16
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Xu Y, Zheng Z. Hybridization Chain Reaction for Direct mRNA Detection Without Nucleic Acid Purification. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1649:187-196. [PMID: 29130198 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7213-5_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Hybridization chain reaction (HCR) provides a feasible solution for nucleic acid detection without target amplification. By highly specific sandwich hybridization, target RNA can be directly captured onto solid support and detected using HCR with fluorescent dyes. Here, we describe a novel method for malaria RNA detection based on sandwich hybridization and two-dimensional HCR, without involving nucleic acid purification or any enzymatic reaction, using ordinary oligonucleotides without labeling or modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, #5 Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Zhi Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, #5 Dong Dan San Tiao, Beijing, 100005, China.
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17
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Wang S, Xia M, Liu J, Zhang S, Zhang X. Simultaneous Imaging of Three Tumor-Related mRNAs in Living Cells with a DNA Tetrahedron-Based Multicolor Nanoprobe. ACS Sens 2017; 2:735-739. [PMID: 28723114 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.7b00290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We constructed a DNA tetrahedron based multicolor nanoprobe, which could simultaneously imaging of three tumor-related mRNAs in living cells through fluorescence restoration caused by competitive chain replacement reaction. The oligonucleotides used to construct the tetrahedron were extended by adding three 21-base recognition sequences modified with different fluorophores (FAM, Cy3, and Cy5) in the 5' end. Three 11-base complementary sequences modified with quencher (BHQ1 for FAM and BHQ2 for Cy3 and Cy5) were hybridized with the recognition sequences to quench the fluorescence. In the presence of the specific mRNA targets, the recognition sequences hybridized with the targets to form longer duplexes and the fluorescence was restored. Compared with previously reported nanoprobes based on DNA tetrahedron, the multicolor nanoprobe can effectively avoid false positive results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Wang
- Beijing
Key Laboratory for Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Department
of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
- National Insititute of Metrology, Beijing 100029, P. R. China
| | - Mengchan Xia
- Beijing
Key Laboratory for Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Department
of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Jie Liu
- Beijing
Key Laboratory for Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Department
of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Sichun Zhang
- Beijing
Key Laboratory for Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Department
of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
| | - Xinrong Zhang
- Beijing
Key Laboratory for Microanalytical Methods and Instrumentation, Department
of Chemistry, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, P. R. China
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18
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Sheinberger J, Hochberg H, Lavi E, Kanter I, Avivi S, Reinitz G, Schwed A, Aizler Y, Varon E, Kinor N, Shav-Tal Y. CD-tagging-MS2: detecting allelic expression of endogenous mRNAs and their protein products in single cells. Biol Methods Protoc 2017; 2:bpx004. [PMID: 32161787 PMCID: PMC6994078 DOI: 10.1093/biomethods/bpx004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Discriminating between the mRNA and protein outputs of each of the alleles of an endogenous gene in intact cells, is a difficult task. To examine endogenous transcripts originating from a specific allele, we applied Central Dogma tagging (CD-tagging), which is based on a tag insertion into an endogenous gene by creation of a new exon. Previously, CD-tagging was used to tag endogenous proteins. Here we developed a CD-tagging-MS2 approach in which two tags were inserted in tandem; a fluorescent protein tag in conjunction with the mRNA MS2 tag used for tagging mRNAs in cells. A cell clone library of CD-tagged-MS2 genes was generated, and protein and mRNA distributions were examined and characterized in single cells. Taking advantage of having one allele tagged, we demonstrate how the transcriptional activity of all alleles, tagged and untagged, can be identified using single molecule RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH). Allele-specific mRNA expression and localization were quantified under normal and stress conditions. The latter generate cytoplasmic stress granules (SGs) that can store mRNAs, and the distribution of the mRNAs within and outside of the SGs was measured. Altogether, CD-tagging-MS2 is a robust and inexpensive approach for direct simultaneous detection of an endogenous mRNA and its translated protein product in the same cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Sheinberger
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences & Institute of Nanotechnology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Hodaya Hochberg
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences & Institute of Nanotechnology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Erez Lavi
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences & Institute of Nanotechnology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Itamar Kanter
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences & Institute of Nanotechnology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Shira Avivi
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences & Institute of Nanotechnology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Gita Reinitz
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences & Institute of Nanotechnology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Avital Schwed
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences & Institute of Nanotechnology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Yuval Aizler
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences & Institute of Nanotechnology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Eli Varon
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences & Institute of Nanotechnology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Noa Kinor
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences & Institute of Nanotechnology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Yaron Shav-Tal
- The Mina & Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences & Institute of Nanotechnology, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, 5290002, Israel
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Wolczyk M, Podszywalow-Bartnicka P, Bugajski L, Piwocka K. Stress granules assembly affects detection of mRNA in living cells by the NanoFlares; an important aspect of the technology. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2017; 1861:1024-1035. [PMID: 28196667 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The recently announced new methodologies to detect mRNA molecules in single cells offer opportunities for research, medicine and molecular diagnostics. The NanoFlare RNA Detection Probes are tools for characterizing RNA content (not localization) using fluorescence-based approaches in living cells. Combined with flow cytometry, NanoFlares have expanded the available possibilities of quantitative analysis of mRNA level in a single cell. Herein we present that in some cases, the specific NanoFlare probes (SmartFlares) detect different amounts of mRNA compared to qPCR. Using the previously published model, in which we studied influence of BCR-ABL oncogene on BRCA1 mRNA translation, we found that the NanoFlare-mediated measurement of mRNA was affected by the assembly of stress granules, structures which store mRNA in complexes with RNA binding proteins. With the usage of chemical compounds we confirmed that under conditions supporting assembly of stress granules, the detection of mRNAs by these probes was decreased, whereas disassembly resulted in the increased mRNAs detection. Altogether, we showed that assembly of stress granules could interfere with mRNA accessibility to the NanoFlare RNA Detection Probes, indicating that the SmartFlares could recognize only the translationally active pool of mRNA, contrary to qPCR. This can significantly influence the quality of obtained data and should be taken into consideration while planning the analysis of mRNA markers using NanoFlares.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Wolczyk
- Laboratory of Cytometry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | | | - Lukasz Bugajski
- Laboratory of Cytometry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Piwocka
- Laboratory of Cytometry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 3 Pasteur Street, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland.
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20
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Wang M, Hou X, Wiraja C, Sun L, Xu ZJ, Xu C. Smart Magnetic Nanosensors Synthesized through Layer-by-Layer Deposition of Molecular Beacons for Noninvasive and Longitudinal Monitoring of Cellular mRNA. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2016; 8:5877-86. [PMID: 26878880 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5b12234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Noninvasive and longitudinal monitoring of gene expression in living cells is essential for understanding and monitoring cellular activities. Herein, a smart magnetic nanosensor is constructed for the real-time, noninvasive, and longitudinal monitoring of cellular mRNA expression through the layer-by-layer deposition of molecular beacons (MBs) and polyethylenimine on the iron oxide nanoparticles. The loading of MBs, responsible for the signal intensity and the tracking time, was easily tuned with the number of layers incorporated. The idea was first demonstrated with the magnetic nanosensors for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) mRNA, which was efficiently internalized into the cells under the influence of magnetic field. This nanosensor allowed the continuous monitoring of the cellular GAPDH mRNA expression for 1 month. Then this platform was further utilized to incorporate two kinds of MBs for alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and GAPDH mRNAs, respectively. The multifunctional nanosensors permitted the simultaneous monitoring of the reference gene (GAPDH mRNA) and the early osteogenic differentiation marker (ALP mRNA) expression. When the fluorescence signal ratio between ALP mRNA MBs and GAPDH mRNA MBs was taken, the dynamic osteogenic differentiation process of MSCs was accurately monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wang
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University , 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457, Singapore
| | - Xiaochun Hou
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University , 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457, Singapore
- Key Laboratory for Organic Electronics and Information Displays, Nanjing University of Posts and Telecommunications , Nanjing 210046, China
| | - Christian Wiraja
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University , 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457, Singapore
| | | | | | - Chenjie Xu
- School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University , 70 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637457, Singapore
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21
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Haider M, Haselgrübler T, Sonnleitner A, Aberger F, Hesse J. A Double-Hybridization Approach for the Transcription- and Amplification-Free Detection of Specific mRNA on a Microarray. Microarrays (Basel) 2016; 5:E5. [PMID: 27600071 DOI: 10.3390/microarrays5010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 02/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
A double-hybridization approach was developed for the enzyme-free detection of specific mRNA of a housekeeping gene. Targeted mRNA was immobilized by hybridization to complementary DNA capture probes spotted onto a microarray. A second hybridization step of Cy5-conjugated label DNA to another section of the mRNA enabled specific labeling of the target. Thus, enzymatic artifacts could be avoided by omitting transcription and amplification steps. This manuscript describes the development of capture probe molecules used in the transcription- and amplification-free analysis of RPLP0 mRNA in isolated total RNA. An increase in specific signal was found with increasing length of the target-specific section of capture probes. Unspecific signal comprising spot autofluorescence and unspecific label binding did not correlate with the capture length. An additional spacer between the specific part of the capture probe and the substrate attachment site increased the signal significantly only on a short capture probe of approximately 30 nt length.
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22
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Abstract
This unit describes methods for non-isotopic RNA in situ hybridization on embryonic mouse sections. These methods can be used to follow the spatiotemporal dynamics of gene expression in an embryonic tissue of interest. They involve the use of labeled (e.g., digoxygenin, FITC) antisense riboprobes that hybridize to a specific mRNA in the target tissue. The probes are detected using an alkaline phosphatase-conjugated antibody recognizing the label and a chromogenic substrate. This method can be used to: (1) assess the expression of a single gene within a tissue, (2) compare the expression profiles of two genes within a tissue, or (3) compare the distribution of a transcript and protein within a tissue. While this approach is not quantitative, it provides a qualitative assessment of the precise cell types where a gene is expressed, which is not easily achievable with other more quantitative methods such as quantitative PCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yacine Touahri
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Lata Adnani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Pierre Mattar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Current address: Cellular Neurobiology Research Unit, Institut de Recherches Cliniques de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kathryn Markham
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Natalia Klenin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carol Schuurmans
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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