Fluorescent probes for live-cell RNA detection

Single-cell detection of mRNA expression using nanofountain-probe electroporated molecular beacons

New techniques for single-cell analysis enable new discoveries in gene expression and systems biology. Time-dependent measurements on individual cells are necessary, yet the common single-cell analysis techniques used today require lysing the cell, suspending the cell, or long incubation times for transfection, thereby interfering with the ability to track an individual cell over time. Here a method for detecting mRNA expression in live single cells using molecular beacons that are transfected into single cells by means of nanofountain probe electroporation (NFP-E) is presented. Molecular beacons are oligonucleotides that emit fluorescence upon binding to an mRNA target, rendering them useful for spatial and temporal studies of live cells. The NFP-E is used to transfect a DNA-based beacon that detects glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase and an RNA-based beacon that detects a sequence cloned in the green fluorescence protein mRNA. It is shown that imaging analysis of transfection and mRNA detection can be performed within seconds after electroporation and without disturbing adhered cells. In addition, it is shown that time-dependent detection of mRNA expression is feasible by transfecting the same single cell at different time points. This technique will be particularly useful for studies of cell differentiation, where several measurements of mRNA expression are required over time.

Temporal heterogeneity in single-cell gene expression and mechanical properties during adipogenic differentiation

Adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (ASCs) respond heterogeneously when exposed to lineage-specific induction medium. Variable responses at the single-cell level can be observed in the production of lineage-specific metabolites, expression of mRNA transcripts, and adoption of mechanical phenotypes. Understanding the relationship between the biological and mechanical characteristics for individual ASCs is crucial for interpreting how cellular heterogeneity affects the differentiation process. The goal of the current study was to monitor the gene expression of peroxisome proliferator receptor gamma (PPARG) in adipogenically differentiating ASC populations over two weeks, while also characterizing the expression-associated mechanical properties of individual cells using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Results showed that ASC mechanical properties did not change significantly over time in either adipogenic or control medium; however, cells expressing PPARG exhibited significantly greater compliance and fluidity compared to those lacking expression in both adipogenic and control media environments. The percent of PPARG+ cells in adipogenic samples increased over time but stayed relatively constant in controls. Previous reports of a slow, gradual change in cellular mechanical properties are explained by the increase in the number of positively differentiating cells in a sample rather than being reflective of actual, single-cell mechanical property changes. Cytoskeletal remodeling was more prevalent in adipogenic samples than controls, likely driving the adoption of a more compliant mechanical phenotype and upregulation of PPARG. The combined results reinforce the importance of understanding single-cell characteristics, in the context of heterogeneity, to provide more accurate interpretations of biological phenomena such as stem cell differentiation.

A highly selective fluorescence sensor for cysteine/homocysteine and its application in bioimaging

A new near-infrared (NIR) sensitive Cys/Hcy probe based on squaraine was rationally designed and synthesized.

Imaging of nucleolar RNA in living cells using a highly photostable deep-red fluorescent probe

A new crescent-shape fluorescent probe (named here as CP) that selectively stains RNA in nucleoli of living cells is prepared. CP shows a deep-red emission (658 nm) and a large Stokes shift because of the introduction of rigid-conjugated coumarin moiety into the molecular structure. Cell imaging experiments indicate that CP can rapidly stain nucleoli in living cells by binding with nucleolar RNA, showing performance superior to commercially available nucleoli dye SYTO RNASelect in terms of high photostability and selectivity. More significantly, these excellent properties together with low cytotoxicity enable CP to monitor nucleolar RNA changes during mitosis, and after treating with anti-cancer drugs cisplatin, actinomycin D and α-amanitin. Thus, CP could be a potential tool for real-time, long-term visualization of the dynamic changes for nucleolar RNA and evaluation of the therapeutic effect for anti-cancer drugs that targeted RNA polymerase I (Pol I).

Second harmonic super-resolution microscopy for quantification of mRNA at single copy sensitivity

Cell-specific information on the quantity and localization of key mRNAs at single copy sensitivity in single cells is critical for evaluating basic cellular process, disease risk, and efficacy of therapy. Quantification of overexpressed mRNAs beyond the diffraction limit is constrained by the optical property of the probes and microscopy techniques. In this report, nanosized barium titanium oxide (BaTiO3, BTO) crystals were utilized as probes for mRNA quantification by a second harmonic super-resolution microscopy (SHaSM). The SHaSM was able to detect a single copy of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) mRNA at a resolution of 55.6 nm with the ability to resolve multiple mRNA copies in a diffraction-limited spot. Her2 mRNA per cell was counted in SK-BR-3, MCF-7, and HeLa cell lines as 595±79.1, 38.9±8.26, and 1.5±2.8, respectively. Our single-cell quantification results were validated with the fluorescence in situ hybridization studies and quantitative PCR, showing better specificity and selectivity over current single-molecule approaches for transcript detection. The SHaSM is expected to have an upper limit of resolving ∼10(4) transcripts in a single cell with the ability to monitor intracellular transcriptional dynamics at video rate. The developed approach has strong potential in clinical research and in the early diagnosis of life-threatening diseases such as cancer.

Single-cell technologies sharpen up mammalian stem cell research

Analysis of the mechanisms underlying cell fates requires the molecular quantification of cellular features. Classical techniques use population average readouts at single time points. However, these approaches mask cellular heterogeneity and dynamics and are limited for studying rare and heterogeneous cell populations like stem cells. Techniques for single-cell analyses, ideally allowing non-invasive quantification of molecular dynamics and cellular behaviour over time, are required for studying stem cells. Here, we review the development and application of these techniques to stem cell research.

Electrophilic activity-based RNA probes reveal a self-alkylating RNA for RNA labeling

Probes that form covalent bonds with RNA molecules on the basis of their chemical reactivity would advance our ability to study the transcriptome. We developed a set of electrophilic activity-based RNA probes designed to react with unusually nucleophilic RNAs. We used these probes to identify reactive genome-encoded RNAs, resulting in the discovery of a 42-nt catalytic RNA from an archaebacterium that reacts with a 2,3-disubstituted epoxide at N7 of a specific guanosine. Detailed characterization of the catalytic RNA revealed the structural requirements for reactivity. We developed this catalytic RNA into a general tool to selectively conjugate a small molecule to an RNA of interest. This strategy enabled up to 500-fold enrichment of target RNA from total mammalian RNA or from cell lysate. We demonstrated the utility of this approach by selectively capturing proteins in yeast cell lysate that bind the ASH1 mRNA.

Molecular beacon-enabled purification of living cells by targeting cell type-specific mRNAs

Molecular beacons (MBs) are dual-labeled oligonucleotides that fluoresce only in the presence of complementary mRNA. The use of MBs to target specific mRNAs allows sorting of specific cells from a mixed cell population. In contrast to existing approaches that are limited by available surface markers or selectable metabolic characteristics, the MB-based method enables the isolation of a wide variety of cells. For example, the ability to purify specific cell types derived from pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) is important for basic research and therapeutics. In addition to providing a general protocol for MB design, validation and nucleofection into cells, we describe how to isolate a specific cell population from differentiating PSCs. By using this protocol, we have successfully isolated cardiomyocytes differentiated from mouse or human PSCs (hPSCs) with ∼ 97% purity, as confirmed by electrophysiology and immunocytochemistry. After designing MBs, their ordering and validation requires 2 weeks, and the isolation process requires 3 h.

Brightness through local constraint--LNA-enhanced FIT hybridization probes for in vivo ribonucleotide particle tracking

Imaging the dynamics of RNA in living cells is usually performed by means of transgenic approaches that require modification of RNA targets and cells. Fluorogenic hybridization probes would also allow the analysis of wild-type organisms. We developed nuclease-resistant DNA forced intercalation (FIT) probes that combine the high enhancement of fluorescence upon hybridization with the high brightness required to allow tracking of individual ribonucleotide particles (RNPs). In our design, a single thiazole orange (TO) intercalator dye is linked as a nucleobase surrogate and an adjacent locked nucleic acid (LNA) unit serves to introduce a local constraint. This closes fluorescence decay channels and thereby increases the brightness of the probe-target duplexes. As few as two probes were sufficient to enable the tracking of oskar mRNPs in wild-type living Drosophila melanogaster oocytes.

Real-time imaging of single engineered RNA transcripts in living cells using ratiometric bimolecular beacons

The growing realization that both the temporal and spatial regulation of gene expression can have important consequences on cell function has led to the development of diverse techniques to visualize individual RNA transcripts in single living cells. One promising technique that has recently been described utilizes an oligonucleotide-based optical probe, ratiometric bimolecular beacon (RBMB), to detect RNA transcripts that were engineered to contain at least four tandem repeats of the RBMB target sequence in the 3'-untranslated region. RBMBs are specifically designed to emit a bright fluorescent signal upon hybridization to complementary RNA, but otherwise remain quenched. The use of a synthetic probe in this approach allows photostable, red-shifted, and highly emissive organic dyes to be used for imaging. Binding of multiple RBMBs to the engineered RNA transcripts results in discrete fluorescence spots when viewed under a wide-field fluorescent microscope. Consequently, the movement of individual RNA transcripts can be readily visualized in real-time by taking a time series of fluorescent images. Here we describe the preparation and purification of RBMBs, delivery into cells by microporation and live-cell imaging of single RNA transcripts.

Real-time imaging of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition using microRNA-200a sequence-based molecular beacon-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles

The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays important roles in tumor progression to metastasis. Thus, the development of an imaging probe that can monitor transient periods of the EMT process in live cells is required for a better understanding of metastatic process. Inspired by the fact that the mRNA expression levels of zinc finger E-box-binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1) increase when cells adopt mesenchyme characteristics and that microRNA-200a (miR-200a) can bind to ZEB1 mRNA, we conjugated molecular beacon (MB) mimicking mature miR-200a to magnetic nanoparticles (miR-200a-MB-MNPs) and devised an imaging method to observe transitional changes in the cells during EMT. Transforming growth factor-β1 treated epithelial cells and breast cancer cell lines representing both epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes were used for the validation of miR-200a-MB-MNPs as an EMT imaging probe. The real-time imaging of live cells acquired with the induction of EMT revealed an increase in fluorescence signals by miR-200a-MB-MNPs, cell morphology alterations, and the loss of cell-cell adhesion. Our results suggest that miR-200a-MB-MNPs can be used as an imaging probe for the real-time monitoring of the EMT process in live cells.

2'-Bispyrene-modified 2'-O-methyl RNA probes as useful tools for the detection of RNA: synthesis, fluorescent properties, and duplex stability

The synthesis and properties two series of new 2'-O-methyl RNA probes, each containing a single insertion of a 2'-bispyrenylmethylphosphorodiamidate derivative of a nucleotide (U, C, A, and G), are described. As demonstrated by UV melting studies, the probes form stable complexes with model RNAs and DNAs. Significant increases (up to 21-fold) in pyrene excimer fluorescence intensity were observed upon binding of most of the probes with complementary RNAs, but not with DNAs. The fluorescence spectra are independent of the nature of the modified nucleotides. The nucleotides on the 5'-side of the modified nucleotide have no effect on the fluorescence spectra, whereas the natures of the two nucleotides on the 3'-side are important: CC, CG, and UC dinucleotide units on the 3'-side of the modified nucleotide provide the maximum increases in excimer fluorescence intensity. This study suggests that these 2'-bispyrene-labeled 2'-O-methyl RNA probes might be useful tools for detection of RNAs.

G protein coupled receptor signaling complexes in live cells

Classical models of receptor (GPCR) and G protein (Gαβγ) signaling based on biochemical studies have proposed that receptor stimulation results in G protein activation (Gα-GTP) and dissociation of the heterotrimer (Gα-GTP + Gβγ) to regulate downstream signaling events. Unclear is whether or not there exists freely diffusible, activated Gα-GTP on cellular membranes capable of catalytic signal amplification. Recent studies in live cells indicate that GPCRs serve as platforms for the assembly of macromolecular signaling complexes that include G proteins to support a highly efficient and spatially restricted signaling event, with no requirement for full Gα-GTP and Gβγ dissociation and lateral diffusion within the plasma membrane.

Effect of T-DNA insertions on mRNA transcript copy numbers upstream and downstream of the insertion site in Arabidopsis thaliana explored by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

We report the effect of a T-DNA insertion on the expression level of mRNA transcripts of the TWISTED DWARF 1 (TWD1) gene upstream and downstream of the T-DNA insertion site in Arabidopsis. A novel approach based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) was developed to detect and quantify the effect of a T-DNA insertion on mRNA transcript accumulation at 5'- and 3'-ends of the TWD1 gene. A T-DNA insertion mutant in the TWD1 gene (twd1-2) was chosen to test the sensitivity and the feasibility of the approach. The null mutant of the FK506-like immunophilin protein TWD1 in Arabidopsis shows severe dwarfism and strong disoriented growth of plant organs. A spontaneous arising suppressor allele of twd1-2 called twd-sup displayed an intermediate phenotype between wild type and the knockout phenotype of twd1-2. Both twd1 mutant alleles have identical DNA sequences at the TWD1 locus including the T-DNA insertion in the fourth intron of the TWD1 gene but they show clear variability in the mutant phenotype. We present here the development and application of SERS-based mRNA detection and quantification using the expression of the TWD1 gene in wild type and both mutant alleles. The hallmarks of our SERS approach are a robust and fast assay to detect up to 0.10 fm of target molecules including the ability to omit in vitro transcription and amplification steps after RNA isolation. Instead we perform direct quantification of RNA molecules. This enables us to detect and quantify rare RNA molecules at high levels of precision and sensitivity.

Towards Engineered Processes for Sequencing-Based Analysis of Single Circulating Tumor Cells

Sequencing-based analysis of single circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of metastatic cancer and improve clinical care. Technologies exist to enrich, identify, recover, and sequence single cells, but to enable systematic routine analysis of single CTCs from a range of cancer patients, there is a need to establish processes that efficiently integrate these specific operations. Such engineered processes should address challenges associated with the yield and viability of enriched CTCs, the robust identification of candidate single CTCs with minimal degradation of DNA, the bias in whole-genome amplification, and the efficient handling of candidate single CTCs or their amplified DNA products. Advances in methods for single-cell analysis and nanoscale technologies suggest opportunities to overcome these challenges, and could create integrated platforms that perform several of the unit operations together. Ultimately, technologies should be selected or adapted for optimal performance and compatibility in an integrated process.

Electroporation and microinjection successfully deliver single-stranded and duplex DNA into live cells as detected by FRET measurements

Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) technology relies on the close proximity of two compatible fluorophores for energy transfer. Tagged (Cy3 and Cy5) complementary DNA strands forming a stable duplex and a doubly-tagged single strand were shown to demonstrate FRET outside of a cellular environment. FRET was also observed after transfecting these DNA strands into fixed and live cells using methods such as microinjection and electroporation, but not when using lipid based transfection reagents, unless in the presence of the endosomal acidification inhibitor bafilomycin. Avoiding the endocytosis pathway is essential for efficient delivery of intact DNA probes into cells.

Sequence-specific imaging of influenza A mRNA in living infected cells using fluorescent FIT-PNA

Significant efforts have been devoted to the development of techniques allowing the investigation of viral mRNA progression during the replication cycle. We herein describe the use of sequence-specific FIT-PNA (Forced Intercalation Peptide Nucleic Acids) probes which contain a single intercalator serving as an artificial fluorescent nucleobase. FIT-PNA probes are not degraded by enzymes, neither by nucleases nor by proteases, and provide for both high sensitivity and high target specificity under physiological conditions inside the infected living host cell.

Live-cell, temporal gene expression analysis of osteogenic differentiation in adipose-derived stem cells

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are a widely investigated type of mesenchymal stem cells with great potential for musculoskeletal regeneration. However, the use of ASCs is complicated by their cellular heterogeneity, which exists at both the population and single-cell levels. This study demonstrates a live-cell assay to investigate gene expression in ASCs undergoing osteogenesis using fluorescently tagged DNA hybridization probes called molecular beacons. A molecular beacon was designed to target the mRNA sequence for alkaline phosphatase (ALPL), a gene characteristically expressed during early osteogenesis. The percentage of cells expressing this gene in a population was monitored daily to quantify the uniformity of the differentiation process. Differentiating ASC populations were repeatedly measured in a nondestructive fashion over a 10-day period to obtain temporal gene expression data. Results showed consistent expression patterns for the investigated osteogenic genes in response to induction medium. Peak signal level, indicating when the most cells expressed ALPL at once, was observed on days 3-5. The differentiation response of sample populations was generally uniform when assessed on a well-by-well basis over time. The expression of alkaline phosphatase is consistent with previous studies of osteogenic differentiation, suggesting that molecular beacons are a viable means of monitoring the spatiotemporal gene expression of live, differentiating ASCs.

Gold nanoparticle-oligonucleotide conjugates for the profiling of malignant melanoma phenotypes

This chapter discusses the preparation and subsequent profiling capabilities of gold nanoparticle-oligonucleotide conjugates for multiple melanoma mRNA targets. We will outline the attachment of DNA hairpins modified with a thiol for facile attachment to gold nanoparticle surfaces through gold-sulfur bond formation. Furthermore, the ability of these conjugates to detect and distinguish phenotypic variations utilizing -several melanoma cell lines and the nonmalignant cell line, HEp-2, will be investigated using flow cytometry and RT-PCR analytical techniques. The behavior of the housekeeping probe β-actin will also be investigated as a control.

Recent development of two-photon fluorescent probes for bioimaging

Fluorescent probes are essential tools for studying biological systems.

Fluorescent probes for nucleic Acid visualization in fixed and live cells

This review analyses the literature concerning non-fluorescent and fluorescent probes for nucleic acid imaging in fixed and living cells from the point of view of their suitability for imaging intracellular native RNA and DNA. Attention is mainly paid to fluorescent probes for fluorescence microscopy imaging. Requirements for the target-binding part and the fluorophore making up the probe are formulated. In the case of native double-stranded DNA, structure-specific and sequence-specific probes are discussed. Among the latest, three classes of dsDNA-targeting molecules are described: (i) sequence-specific peptides and proteins; (ii) triplex-forming oligonucleotides and (iii) polyamide oligo(N-methylpyrrole/N-methylimidazole) minor groove binders. Polyamides seem to be the most promising targeting agents for fluorescent probe design, however, some technical problems remain to be solved, such as the relatively low sequence specificity and the high background fluorescence inside the cells. Several examples of fluorescent probe applications for DNA imaging in fixed and living cells are cited. In the case of intracellular RNA, only modified oligonucleotides can provide such sequence-specific imaging. Several approaches for designing fluorescent probes are considered: linear fluorescent probes based on modified oligonucleotide analogs, molecular beacons, binary fluorescent probes and template-directed reactions with fluorescence probe formation, FRET donor-acceptor pairs, pyrene excimers, aptamers and others. The suitability of all these methods for living cell applications is discussed.

Brightness enhanced DNA FIT-probes for wash-free RNA imaging in tissue

Fluorogenic oligonucleotides enable RNA imaging in cells and tissues. A high responsiveness of fluorescence is required when unbound probes cannot be washed away. Furthermore, emission should be bright in order to enable detection against autofluorescent background. The development of fluorescence-quenched hybridization probes has led to remarkable improvement of fluorescence responsiveness. Yet, comparably little attention has been paid to the brightness of smart probes. We describe hybridization probes that combine responsiveness with a high brightness of the measured signal. The method relies upon quencher-free DNA forced intercalation (FIT)-probes, in which two (or more) intercalator dyes of the thiazole orange (TO) family serve as nucleobase surrogates. Initial experiments on multi-TO-labeled probes led to improvements of responsiveness, but self-quenching limited their brightness. To enhance both brightness and responsiveness the highly responsive TO nucleoside was combined with the highly emissive oxazolopyridine analogue JO. Single-stranded TO/JO FIT-probes are dark. In the probe-target duplex, quenching caused by torsional twisting and dye-dye contact is prevented. The TO nucleoside appears to serve as a light collector that increases the extinction coefficient and transfers excitation energy to the JO emitter. This leads to very bright JO emission upon hybridization (F/F0 = 23, brightness = 43 mL mol(-1) cm(-1) at λex = 516 nm). TO/JO FIT-probes allowed the direct fluorescence microscopic imaging of oskar mRNA within a complex tissue. Of note, RNA imaging was feasible under wide-field excitation conditions. The described protocol enables rapid RNA imaging in tissue without the need for cutting-edge equipment, time-consuming washing, or signal amplification.

Imaging of mRNA-protein interactions in live cells using novel mCherry trimolecular fluorescence complementation systems

Live cell imaging of mRNA-protein interactions makes it possible to study posttranscriptional processes of cellular and viral gene expression under physiological conditions. In this study, red color mCherry-based trimolecular fluorescence complementation (TriFC) systems were constructed as new tools for visualizing mRNA-protein interaction in living cells using split mCherry fragments and HIV REV-RRE and TAT-TAR peptide-RNA interaction pairs. The new mCherry TriFC systems were successfully used to image RNA-protein interactions such as that between influenza viral protein NS1 and the 5' UTR of influenza viral mRNAs NS, M, and NP. Upon combination of an mCherry TriFC system with a Venus TriFC system, multiple mRNA-protein interactions could be detected simultaneously in the same cells. Then, the new mCherry TriFC system was used for imaging of interactions between influenza A virus mRNAs and some of adapter proteins in cellular TAP nuclear export pathway in live cells. Adapter proteins Aly and UAP56 were found to associate with three kinds of viral mRNAs. Another adapter protein, splicing factor 9G8, only interacted with intron-containing spliced M2 mRNA. Co-immunoprecipitation assays with influenza A virus-infected cells confirmed these interactions. This study provides long-wavelength-spectrum TriFC systems as new tools for visualizing RNA-protein interactions in live cells and help to understand the nuclear export mechanism of influenza A viral mRNAs.

Chromenoquinoline-based thiol probes: a study on the quencher position for controlling fluorescent Off-On characteristics

The design, synthesis and thiol sensing ability of chromenoquinoline-based fluorescent probes 4, 5 and 6 and are reported here. The relative position of the maleimide moiety was varied along the chromenoquinoline fluorophore to decrease the background fluorescence. Lower background fluorescence in probes 4 and 6 was rationalized by the smaller k(r)/k(nr) values compared to that of probe 5. An intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) mechanism was proposed for quenching and the extent was dependent on the position of the maleimide quencher. Fluorescent Off-On characteristics were evaluated by theoretical calculations. All probes were selective only towards thiol containing amino acids. Thiol sensing by probes 4 and 6 were much better compared to 5. Probe 4 displayed a better fluorescence response for less hindered thiol (185-, 223- and 156-fold for Hcy, Cys and GSH, respectively), while for probe 6, a higher enhancement in fluorescence was observed with more hindered thiols (180-, 205- and 245-fold for Hcy, Cys and GSH, respectively). The better response to bulkier thiol, GSH by probe 6 was attributed to the steric crowding at the C-4 position and bulkiness of the GSH group which force the succinimide unit to be in a nearly orthogonal conformation. This spatial arrangement was important in reducing the fluorescence quenching ability of the succinimide moiety. The application of probes 4, 5 and 6 was demonstrated by naked eye detection thiols using a 96-well plate system as well as by live-cell imaging.

Strategies for optimizing DNA hybridization on surfaces

Specific and predictable hybridization of the polynucleotide sequences to their complementary counterparts plays a fundamental role in the rational design of new nucleic acid nanodevices. Generally, nucleic acid hybridization can be performed using two major strategies, namely hybridization of DNA or RNA targets to surface-tethered oligonucleotide probes (solid-phase hybridization) and hybridization of the target nucleic acids to randomly distributed probes in solution (solution-phase hybridization). Investigations into thermodynamic and kinetic parameters of these two strategies showed that hybridization on surfaces is less favorable than that of the same sequence in solution. Indeed, the efficiency of DNA hybridization on surfaces suffers from three constraints: (1) electrostatic repulsion between DNA strands on the surface, (2) steric hindrance between tethered DNA probes, and (3) nonspecific adsorption of the attached oligonucleotides to the solid surface. During recent years, several strategies have been developed to overcome the problems associated with DNA hybridization on surfaces. Optimizing the probe surface density, application of a linker between the solid surface and the DNA-recognizing sequence, optimizing the pH of DNA hybridization solutions, application of thiol reagents, and incorporation of a polyadenine block into the terminal end of the recognizing sequence are among the most important strategies for enhancing DNA hybridization on surfaces.

SNP detection in mRNA in living cells using allele specific FRET probes

Live mRNA detection allows real time monitoring of specific transcripts and genetic alterations. The main challenge of live genetic detection is overcoming the high background generated by unbound probes and reaching high level of specificity with minimal off target effects. The use of Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) probes allows differentiation between bound and unbound probes thus decreasing background. Probe specificity can be optimized by adjusting the length and through use of chemical modifications that alter binding affinity. Herein, we report the use of two oligonucleotide FRET probe system to detect a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in murine Hras mRNA, which is associated with malignant transformations. The FRET oligonucleotides were modified with phosphorothioate (PS) bonds, 2′OMe RNA and LNA residues to enhance nuclease stability and improve SNP discrimination. Our results show that a point mutation in Hras can be detected in endogenous RNA of living cells. As determined by an Acceptor Photobleaching method, FRET levels were higher in cells transfected with perfect match FRET probes whereas a single mismatch showed decreased FRET signal. This approach promotes in vivo molecular imaging methods and could further be applied in cancer diagnosis and theranostic strategies.

A targeted, self-delivered, and photocontrolled molecular beacon for mRNA detection in living cells

The spatiotemporal dynamics of specific mRNA molecules are difficult to image and detect inside living cells, and this has been a significant challenge for the chemical and biomedical communities. To solve this problem, we have developed a targeted, self-delivered, and photocontrolled aptamer-based molecular beacon (MB) for intracellular mRNA analysis. An internalizing aptamer connected via a double-stranded DNA structure was used as a carrier probe (CP) for cell-specific delivery of the MB designed to signal target mRNA. A light activation strategy was employed by inserting two photolabile groups in the CP sequence, enabling control over the MB's intracellular function. After the probe was guided to the target cell via specific binding of aptamer AS1411 to nucleolin on the cell membrane, light illumination released the MB for mRNA monitoring. Consequently, the MB is able to perform live-cell mRNA imaging with precise spatiotemporal control, while the CP acts as both a tracer for intracellular distribution of the MB before photoinitiation and an internal reference for mRNA ratiometric detection.

Optical control and study of biological processes at the single-cell level in a live organism

Living organisms are made of cells that are capable of responding to external signals by modifying their internal state and subsequently their external environment. Revealing and understanding the spatio-temporal dynamics of these complex interaction networks is the subject of a field known as systems biology. To investigate these interactions (a necessary step before understanding or modelling them) one needs to develop means to control or interfere spatially and temporally with these processes and to monitor their response on a fast timescale (< minute) and with single-cell resolution. In 2012, an EMBO workshop on 'single-cell physiology' (organized by some of us) was held in Paris to discuss those issues in the light of recent developments that allow for precise spatio-temporal perturbations and observations. This review will be largely based on the investigations reported there. We will first present a non-exhaustive list of examples of cellular interactions and developmental pathways that could benefit from these new approaches. We will review some of the novel tools that have been developed for the observation of cellular activity and then discuss the recent breakthroughs in optical super-resolution microscopy that allow for optical observations beyond the diffraction limit. We will review the various means to photo-control the activity of biomolecules, which allow for local perturbations of physiological processes. We will end up this review with a report on the current status of optogenetics: the use of photo-sensitive DNA-encoded proteins as sensitive reporters and efficient actuators to perturb and monitor physiological processes.

Oligonucleotide optical switches for intracellular sensing

Fluorescence imaging coupled with nanotechnology is making possible the development of powerful tools in the biological field for applications such as cellular imaging and intracellular messenger RNA monitoring and detection. The delivery of fluorescent probes into cells and tissues is currently receiving growing interest because such molecules, often coupled to nanodimensional materials, can conveniently allow the preparation of small tools to spy on cellular mechanisms with high specificity and sensitivity. The purpose of this review is to provide an exhaustive overview of current research in oligonucleotide optical switches for intracellular sensing with a focus on the engineering methods adopted for these oligonucleotides and the more recent and fascinating techniques for their internalization into living cells. Oligonucleotide optical switches can be defined as specifically designed short nucleic acid molecules capable of turning on or modifying their light emission on molecular interaction with well-defined molecular targets. Molecular beacons, aptamer beacons, hybrid molecular probes, and simpler linear oligonucleotide switches are the most promising optical nanosensors proposed in recent years. The intracellular targets which have been considered for sensing are a plethora of messenger-RNA-expressing cellular proteins and enzymes, or, directly, proteins or small molecules in the case of sensing through aptamer-based switches. Engineering methods, including modification of the oligonucleotide itself with locked nucleic acids, peptide nucleic acids, or L-DNA nucleotides, have been proposed to enhance the stability of nucleases and to prevent false-negative and high background optical signals. Conventional delivery techniques are treated here together with more innovative methods based on the coupling of the switches with nano-objects.

The use of a near-infrared RNA fluorescent probe with a large Stokes shift for imaging living cells assisted by the macrocyclic molecule CB7

A near-infrared fluorescent dye Hsd was designed and synthesized, which absorbed as hemicyane and emitted as Cy7 and therefore produced a Stokes shift as large as 224 nm. Quantum chemistry calculation demonstrated that the large Stokes shift was produced by the combination of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) and internal conversion. Significantly, Hsd showed selectively response to RNA in aqueous solution and fixed cells. Moreover, Hsd could be uptaken into the cells under the assistance of cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) and selectively stain RNA in living cells. The introducing of CB7 provides a platform to amplify the application of some cell-impermeant fluorescent stains through the supramolecular chemistry methods.

Imaging mRNA expression levels in living cells with PNA·DNA binary FRET probes delivered by cationic shell-crosslinked nanoparticles

Optical imaging of gene expression through the use of fluorescent antisense probes targeted to the mRNA has been an area of great interest. The main obstacles to developing highly sensitive antisense fluorescent imaging agents have been the inefficient intracellular delivery of the probes and high background signal from unbound probes. Binary antisense probes have shown great promise as mRNA imaging agents because a signal can only occur if both probes are bound simultaneously to the mRNA target site. Selecting an accessible binding site is made difficult by RNA folding and protein binding in vivo and the need to bind two probes. Even more problematic, has been a lack of methods for efficient cytoplasmic delivery of the probes that would be suitable for eventual applications in vivo in animals. Herein we report the imaging of iNOS mRNA expression in live mouse macrophage cells with PNA·DNA binary FRET probes delivered by a cationic shell crosslinked knedel-like nanoparticle (cSCK). We first demonstrate that FRET can be observed on in vitro transcribed mRNA with both the PNA probes and the PNA·DNA hybrid probes. We then demonstrate that the FRET signal can be observed in live cells when the hybrid probes are transfected with the cSCK, and that the strength of the FRET signal is sequence specific and depends on the mRNA expression level.

Detection of miRNA in live cells by using templated RuII-catalyzed unmasking of a fluorophore

Reactions templated by cellular nucleic acids are attractive for nucleic acid sensing or responsive systems. Herein we report the use of a photocatalyzed reductive cleavage of an immolative linker to unmask a rhodamine fluorophore, and its application to miRNA imaging. The reaction was found to proceed with a very high turnover (>4000) and provided reliable detection down to 5 pM of template by using γ-serine-modified peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes. The reaction was used for the selective detection of miR-21 in BT474 cells and miR-31 in HeLa cells following irradiation for 30 min. The probes were introduced by using reversible permeation with streptolysin-O (SLO) or a transfection technique.

A peptide nucleic acid (PNA) heteroduplex probe containing an inosine-cytosine base pair discriminates a single-nucleotide difference in RNA

Selective discrimination of a single-nucleotide difference in single-stranded DNA or RNA remains a challenge with conventional DNA or RNA probes. A peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-derived probe, in which PNA forms a pseudocomplementary heteroduplex with inosine-containing DNA or RNA, effectively discriminates a single-nucleotide difference in a closely related group of sequences of single-stranded DNA and/or RNA. The pseudocomplementary PNA heteroduplex is easily converted to a fluorescent probe that distinctively detects a member of highly homologous let-7 microRNAs.

Detecting Pyronin Y labeled RNA transcripts in live cell microenvironments by phasor-FLIM analysis

Pyronin Y is an environment-sensitive probe which labels all double-stranded RNA in live cells. Methods to determine which RNA species Pyronin Y may be labeling are limited due to the lack of studies aimed at determining whether this probe has different spectroscopic properties when bound to specific transcripts. A major issue is that transcripts are difficult to isolate and study individually. We detected transcripts directly in their biological environment allowing us to identify RNA species on the basis of their location in the cell. We show that the phasor approach to lifetime analysis has the sensitivity to determine at least six different RNA species in live fibroblast cells. The detected lifetime differences were consistent among cells. To our knowledge this is the first application of a spectroscopic technique aimed at identifying Pyronin Y labeled RNA subtypes in living cells.

A strategy to enhance the binding affinity of fluorophore-aptamer pairs for RNA tagging with neomycin conjugation

Fluorogenic sulforhodamine-neomycin conjugates have been designed and synthesized for RNA tagging. Conjugates were fluorescently activated by binding to RNA aptamers and exhibited greater than 250-400 fold enhancement in binding affinity relative to corresponding unconjugated fluorophores.

Rapid, quantitative, reverse transcription PCR in a polymer microfluidic chip

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) techniques have become invaluable, high-throughput tools to study gene expression. However, the need to measure gene expression patterns quickly and affordably, useful for applications such as stem cell biomanufacturing requiring real-time observation and control, has not been adequately met by rapid qPCR instrumentation to date. We report a reverse transcription, microfluidic qPCR system and its application to DNA and RNA amplification measurement. In the system, an environmental control fixture provides mechanical and thermal repeatability for an infrared laser to achieve both accurate and precise open-loop temperature control of 1 μl reaction volumes in a low-cost polymer microfluidic chip with concurrent fluorescence imaging. We have used this system to amplify serial dilutions of λ-phage DNA (10(5)-10(7) starting copies) and RNA transcripts from the GAPDH housekeeping gene (5.45 ng total mouse embryonic stem cell RNA) and measured associated standard curves, efficiency (57%), repeatability (~1 cycle threshold), melting curves, and specificity. This microfluidic qRT-PCR system offers a practical approach to rapid analysis (~1 h), combining the cost benefits of small reagent volumes with the simplicity of disposable polymer microchips and easy setup.

Nucleic acid sensing by an orthogonal reporter system based on homo-DNA

We have developed an assay for single strand DNA or RNA detection which is based on the homo-DNA templated Staudinger reduction of the profluorophore rhodamine-azide. The assay is based on a three component system, consisting of a homo-DNA/DNA hybrid probe, a set of homo-DNA reporter strands and the target DNA or RNA. We present two different formats of the assay (Omega probe and linear probe) in which the linear probe was found to perform best with catalytic turnover of the reporter strands (TON: 8) and a match/mismatch discrimination of up to 19. The advantage of this system is that the reporting (homo-DNA) and sensing (DNA) domain are decoupled from each other since the two pairing systems are bioorthogonal. This allows independent optimization of either domain which may lead to higher selectivity in in vivo imaging.

The use of molecular beacons to detect and quantify microRNA

Molecular beacons are oligonucleotide (DNA or RNA) probes that have become increasingly important tools for RNA sensitive detection both in vitro and in living cells. From their inception, molecular beacons have been used to determine the expression levels of RNA transcripts, but they also have the specificity to identify splice variants and single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Our group has performed extensive studies on molecular beacon design, molecular beacon hybridization assays, and cellular imaging of mRNA molecules. Compared to other methods for assessing RNA transcript expression, such as qRT-PCR, the beacon-based approach is potentially simpler, faster, more cost effective, and more specific. Recently, our group demonstrated that molecular beacons can readily distinguish mature- and precursor microRNAs, and reliably quantify microRNA expression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short (19-25 nt), single-stranded, noncoding RNAs that regulate an array of cellular functions through the degradation and translational repression of mRNA targets. Importantly, tissue levels of specific miRNAs have been shown to correlate with pathological development of diseases. Thus, a rapid and efficient method of assessing miRNA expression is useful for diagnosing diseases and identifying novel therapeutic targets. Here, we describe the methods for designing and using molecular beacons to detect and quantify miRNA.

Live-cell, temporal gene expression analysis of osteogenic differentiation in adipose-derived stem cells

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are a widely investigated type of mesenchymal stem cell with great potential for musculoskeletal regeneration. However, use of ASCs is complicated by their cellular heterogeneity, which exists at both the population and single-cell levels. This study demonstrates a live-cell assay to investigate gene expression in ASCs undergoing osteogenesis using fluorescently tagged DNA hybridization probes called molecular beacons. Three molecular beacons were designed to target mRNA sequences for alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen, and osteocalcin (ALPL, COL1A1, and BGLAP), genes characteristically expressed during osteogenesis. The percentage of cells expressing these genes in a population was monitored daily to quantify the uniformity of the differentiation process. Differentiating ASC populations were repeatedly measured in a nondestructive fashion over a 21-day period to obtain temporal gene expression data. Results showed consistent expression patterns for the investigated osteogenic genes in response to induction medium. Peak expression was observed at days 3-4 for ALPL, day 14 for COL1A1, and day 21 for BGLAP. Additionally, the differentiation response of sample populations became more uniform after 2 weeks in osteogenic induction medium, suggesting a syncing of ASCs occurs over time. These findings are consistent with previous studies of osteogenic differentiation and suggest that molecular beacons are a viable means to monitor the spatiotemporal gene expression of live, differentiating ASCs.

Spectral phasor analysis of Pyronin Y labeled RNA microenvironments in living cells

We show that the spectral phasor approach of the fluorescent dye Pyronin Y (PY) can be used to identify specific RNA subspecies of ribonuclear proteins complexes in live cells. We applied spectral phasors to isolate intracellular RNA species with similar spectral properties. We identified at least 4 different PY labeled species in live cells and further spatially mapped their presence at the pixel level. Most notable were transcripts in the nucleoli which were spectrally similar to RNA clusters in the cytoplasm. We propose that these species represent ribosomal RNA and clustered ribonucleoprotein complexes. Further, we observed within this cluster Cajal bodies in the proximity of the nucleolus. In addition, transcripts in the cytoplasm undertook a filamentous morphology composed of multiple puncti structures which individually localized along and close to mitochondria but were distinct from mitochondria.

Engineering molecular beacons for intracellular imaging

Molecular beacons (MBs) represent a class of nucleic acid probes with unique DNA hairpin structures that specifically target complementary DNA or RNA. The inherent "OFF" to "ON" signal transduction mechanism of MBs makes them promising molecular probes for real-time imaging of DNA/RNA in living cells. However, conventional MBs have been challenged with such issues as false-positive signals and poor biostability in complex cellular matrices. This paper describes the novel engineering steps used to improve the fluorescence signal and reduce to background fluorescence, as well as the incorporation of unnatural nucleotide bases to increase the resistance of MBs to nuclease degradation for application in such fields as chemical analysis, biotechnology, and clinical medicine. The applications of these de novo MBs for single-cell imaging will be also discussed.