1
|
Mumbleau M, Chevance F, Hughes K, Hammond MC. Investigating the Effect of RNA Scaffolds on the Multicolor Fluorogenic Aptamer Pepper in Different Bacterial Species. ACS Synth Biol 2024; 13:1093-1099. [PMID: 38593047 PMCID: PMC11037261 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.4c00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
RNA synthetic biology tools have primarily been applied in E. coli; however, many other bacteria are of industrial and clinical significance. Thus, the multicolor fluorogenic aptamer Pepper was evaluated in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Suitable HBC-Pepper dye pairs were identified that give blue, green, or red fluorescence signals in the E. coli, Bacillus subtilis, and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (S. Typhimurium). Furthermore, we found that different RNA scaffolds have a drastic effect on in vivo fluorescence, which did not correlate with the in vitro folding efficiency. One such scaffold termed DF30-tRNA displays 199-fold greater fluorescence than the Pepper aptamer alone and permits simultaneous dual color imaging in live cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeline
M. Mumbleau
- Department
of Chemistry and Henry Eyring Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Fabienne Chevance
- School
of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Kelly Hughes
- School
of Biological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| | - Ming C. Hammond
- Department
of Chemistry and Henry Eyring Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, United States
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Prozzillo Y, Santopietro MV, Messina G, Dimitri P. Unconventional roles of chromatin remodelers and long non-coding RNAs in cell division. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:365. [PMID: 37982870 PMCID: PMC10661750 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04949-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this review article is to focus on the unconventional roles of epigenetic players (chromatin remodelers and long non-coding RNAs) in cell division, beyond their well-characterized functions in chromatin regulation during cell differentiation and development. In the last two decades, diverse experimental evidence has shown that subunits of SRCAP and p400/TIP60 chromatin remodeling complexes in humans relocate from interphase nuclei to centrosomes, spindle or midbody, with their depletion yielding an array of aberrant outcomes of mitosis and cytokinesis. Remarkably, this behavior is shared by orthologous subunits of the Drosophila melanogaster DOM/TIP60 complex, despite fruit flies and humans diverged over 700 million years ago. In short, the available data support the view that subunits of these complexes are a new class of moonlighting proteins, in that they lead a "double life": during the interphase, they function in chromatin regulation within the nucleus, but as the cell progresses through mitosis, they interact with established mitotic factors, thus becoming integral components of the cell division apparatus. By doing so, they contribute to ensuring the correct distribution of chromosomes in the two daughter cells and, when dysfunctional, can cause genomic instability, a condition that can trigger tumorigenesis and developmental diseases. Research over the past few years has unveiled a major contribution of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in the epigenetics regulation of gene expression which also impacts on cell division control. Here, we focus on possible structural roles of lncRNAs in the execution of cytokinesis: in particular, we suggest that specific classes of lncRNAs relocate to the midbody to form an architectural scaffold ensuring its proper assembly and function during abscission. Drawing attention to experimental evidence for non-canonical extranuclear roles of chromatin factors and lncRNAs has direct implications on important and novel aspects concerning both the epigenetic regulation and the evolutionary dynamics of cell division with a significant impact on differentiation, development, and diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuri Prozzillo
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Messina
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.
- Universita degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, Piazza dell' Ateneo Nuovo, 1, 20126, Milano, Italy.
| | - Patrizio Dimitri
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie "Charles Darwin", Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fan Z, Dou CX, Tang LJ, Wang F, Jiang JH. Genetically Encoded RNA Sensors for Ratiometric and Multiplexed Imaging of Small Molecules in Living Cells. Anal Chem 2023; 95:14455-14464. [PMID: 37699117 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c03027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encoded sensors afford powerful tools for studying small molecules and metabolites in live cells. However, genetically encoded sensors with a general design remain to be developed. Here we develop genetically encoded RNA sensors with a modular design for ratiometric and multiplexed imaging of small molecules in live cells. The sensor utilizes aptazyme as a recognition module and the light-up RNA aptamer as a signal reporter. The conformation of light-up aptamers is abrogated by a blocking sequence, and aptazyme-mediated cleavage restores the correct conformation, delivering activated fluorescence for small molecule imaging. We first developed a genetically encoded ratiometric sensor using Mango aptamer as a reference and SRB2 as a reporter. It is shown that the sensor allows quantitative imaging and detection of theophylline in live cells. The generality of the design is further demonstrated for imaging other small molecules by replacing the aptazymes. Its ability for multiplexed imaging of small molecules is further explored via the integration of different small-molecule responsive aptazymes and light-up RNA aptamers. This modular design could offer a versatile platform for imaging diverse molecules in living cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ze Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Cai-Xia Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Li-Juan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Fenglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Jian-Hui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen Z, Chen W, Reheman Z, Jiang H, Wu J, Li X. Genetically encoded RNA-based sensors with Pepper fluorogenic aptamer. Nucleic Acids Res 2023; 51:8322-8336. [PMID: 37486780 PMCID: PMC10484673 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Sensors to measure the abundance and signaling of intracellular molecules are crucial for understanding their physiological functions. Although conventional fluorescent protein-based sensors have been designed, RNA-based sensors are promising imaging tools. Numerous RNA-based sensors have been developed. These sensors typically contain RNA G-quadruplex (RG4) motifs and thus may be suboptimal in living cells. Here we describe RNA-based sensors based on Pepper, a fluorogenic RNA without an RG4 motif. With Pepper, we engineered various sensors for metabolites, synthetic compounds, proteins and metal ions in vitro and in living cells. In addition, these sensors show high activation and selectivity, demonstrating their universality and robustness. In the case of sensors responding to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), a metabolite produced by methionine adenosyltransferase (MATase), we showed that our sensors exhibited positively correlated fluorescence responding to different SAM levels. Importantly, we revealed the SAM biosynthesis pathway and monitored MATase activity and gene expression spatiotemporally in living individual human cells. Additionally, we constructed a ratiometric SAM sensor to determine the inhibition efficacy of a MATase inhibitor in living cells. Together, these sensors comprising Pepper provide a useful platform for imaging diverse cellular targets and their signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyin Chen
- Beijing Institute of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Inflammation and Clinical Allergology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Wei Chen
- Beijing Institute of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, the Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, China
| | - Zhayila Reheman
- Beijing Institute of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- School of Life Science, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei 071000, China
| | - Haodong Jiang
- Beijing Institute of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA01003, USA
| | - Xing Li
- Beijing Institute of Life Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Inflammation and Clinical Allergology, the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan 646000, China
- Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin 300308, China
- State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Fang M, Li H, Xie X, Wang H, Jiang Y, Li T, Zhang B, Jiang X, Cao Y, Zhang R, Zhang D, Zhao Y, Zhu L, Chen X, Yang Y. Imaging intracellular metabolite and protein changes in live mammalian cells with bright fluorescent RNA-based genetically encoded sensors. Biosens Bioelectron 2023; 235:115411. [PMID: 37236014 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2023.115411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent RNA (FR)-based genetically encoded sensors have been engineered to detect various essential metabolites in living systems. However, the unfavorable characteristics of FR impede sensor applications. Here, we describe a strategy for converting Pepper fluorescent RNA into a series of fluorescent sensors to detect their cognate targets both in vitro and in live cells. Compared to previously developed FR-based sensors, Pepper-based sensors exhibited expanded emission of up to 620 nm and markedly improved cellular brightness, allowing robust and real-time monitoring of the pharmacologic-triggered dynamics changes in the intracellular level of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and the optogenetic manipulated protein translocation in live mammalian cells. Furthermore, signal amplification in fluorescence imaging of the target was achieved using the CRISPR-display strategy by incorporating a Pepper-based sensor into the sgRNA scaffold. Together, these results demonstrate that Pepper can be readily developed into high-performance FR-based sensors to detect various cellular targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mengyue Fang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Huiwen Li
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xin Xie
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Tianyu Li
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Bibi Zhang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yueyang Cao
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Dasheng Zhang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhao
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Linyong Zhu
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dong Chuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Xianjun Chen
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Yi Yang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Mei Long Road, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Allchin ER, Rosch JC, Stoneman AD, Kim H, Lippmann ES. Generalized Strategy for Engineering Mammalian Cell-Compatible RNA-Based Biosensors from Random Sequence Libraries. ACS Sens 2023; 8:2079-2086. [PMID: 37155734 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Fluorescent RNA-based biosensors are useful tools for real-time detection of molecules in living cells. These biosensors typically consist of a chromophore-binding aptamer and a target-binding aptamer, whereby the chromophore-binding aptamer is destabilized until a target is captured, which causes a conformational change to permit chromophore binding and an increase in fluorescence. The target-binding region is typically fabricated using known riboswitch motifs, which are already known to have target specificity and undergo structural changes upon binding. However, known riboswitches only exist for a limited number of molecules, significantly constraining biosensor design. To overcome this challenge, we designed a framework for producing mammalian cell-compatible biosensors using aptamers selected from a large random library by Capture-SELEX. As a proof-of-concept, we generated and characterized a fluorescent RNA biosensor against L-dopa, the precursor of several neurotransmitters. Overall, we suggest that this approach will have utility for generating RNA biosensors that can reliably detect custom targets in mammalian cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Everett R Allchin
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, United States
| | - Jonah C Rosch
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, United States
| | - Alexander D Stoneman
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, United States
| | - Hyosung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, United States
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee 37212, United States
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen W, Zhao X, Yang N, Li X. Single mRNA Imaging with Fluorogenic RNA Aptamers and Small-molecule Fluorophores. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2023; 62:e202209813. [PMID: 36420710 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202209813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is the fundamental information transfer system in the cell. Tracking single mRNA from transcription to degradation with fluorescent probes provides spatiotemporal information in cells about how the genetic information is transferred from DNA to proteins. The traditional single mRNA imaging approach utilizes RNA hairpins (e.g. MS2) and tethered fluorescent protein as probes. As an exciting alternative, RNA aptamers: small-molecule fluorophores (SFs) systems have emerged as novel single mRNA imaging probes since 2019, exhibiting several advantages including fluorogenic ability and minimal perturbation. This review summarizes all five reported RNA aptamers: SFs systems for single mRNA imaging in living cells so far. It also discusses the challenges and provides prospects for single mRNA imaging applications. This review is expected to inspire researchers to develop RNA aptamers: SFs systems for studying gene expression at single-molecule resolution in cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, the Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China.,Beijing Institutes of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Xiaoying Zhao
- College of Chemistry and Materials Engineering, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, 100048, China
| | - Nanyang Yang
- Institute of Cytology and Genetics, the Hengyang Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan, 421001, China
| | - Xing Li
- Beijing Institutes of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Integrated Management of Pest Insects and Rodents, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Science, Beijing, 100101, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mi L, Yu Q, Mudiyanselage APK, Wu R, Sun Z, Zheng R, Ren K, You M. Genetically Encoded RNA-Based Bioluminescence Resonance Energy Transfer (BRET) Sensors. ACS Sens 2023; 8:308-316. [PMID: 36608281 PMCID: PMC10630924 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c02213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RNA-based nanostructures and molecular devices have become popular for developing biosensors and genetic regulators. These programmable RNA nanodevices can be genetically encoded and modularly engineered to detect various cellular targets and then induce output signals, most often a fluorescence readout. Although powerful, the high reliance of fluorescence on the external excitation light raises concerns about its high background, photobleaching, and phototoxicity. Bioluminescence signals can be an ideal complementary readout for these genetically encoded RNA nanodevices. However, RNA-based real-time bioluminescent reporters have been rarely developed. In this study, we reported the first type of genetically encoded RNA-based bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) sensors that can be used for real-time target detection in living cells. By coupling a luciferase bioluminescence donor with a fluorogenic RNA-based acceptor, our BRET system can be modularly designed to image and detect various cellular analytes. We expect that this novel RNA-based bioluminescent system can be potentially used broadly in bioanalysis and nanomedicine for engineering biosensors, characterizing cellular RNA-protein interactions, and high-throughput screening or in vivo imaging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lan Mi
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Qikun Yu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | | | - Rigumula Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Zhining Sun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Ru Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Kewei Ren
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, 210094, China
| | - Mingxu You
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Nucleic acid-assisted CRISPR-Cas systems for advanced biosensing and bioimaging. Trends Analyt Chem 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2023.116931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
|
10
|
Hou Q, Jaffrey SR. Synthetic biology tools to promote the folding and function of RNA aptamers in mammalian cells. RNA Biol 2023; 20:198-206. [PMID: 37129556 PMCID: PMC10155629 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2023.2206248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA aptamers are structured RNAs that can bind to diverse ligands, including proteins, metabolites, and other small molecules. RNA aptamers are widely used as in vitro affinity reagents. However, RNA aptamers have not been highly successful as bioactive intracellular molecules that can bind target molecules and influence cellular processes. We describe how poor RNA aptamer expression and especially poor RNA aptamer folding have limited the use of RNA aptamers in RNA synthetic biology applications. We discuss innovative new approaches that promote RNA aptamer folding in living cells and how these approaches have improved the function of aptamers in mammalian cells. These new approaches are making RNA aptamer-based synthetic biology and RNA aptamer therapeutic applications much more achievable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qian Hou
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, The Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Samie R. Jaffrey
- Tri-Institutional PhD Program in Chemical Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, The Rockefeller University, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Advances in
G
‐quadruplexes‐based fluorescent imaging. Biopolymers 2022; 113:e23528. [DOI: 10.1002/bip.23528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
|
12
|
Dou CX, Ying ZM, Tang LJ, Wang F, Jiang JH. Genetically Encoded Light-Up RNA Amplifier Dissecting MicroRNA Activity in Live Cells. Anal Chem 2022; 94:15481-15488. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c03643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Xia Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Zhan-Ming Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Li-Juan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Fenglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Jian-Hui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yang X, Liu C, Kuo YA, Yeh HC, Ren P. Computational study on the binding of Mango-II RNA aptamer and fluorogen using the polarizable force field AMOEBA. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:946708. [PMID: 36120549 PMCID: PMC9478177 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.946708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluorescent light-up aptamers (FLAPs) are well-performed biosensors for cellular imaging and the detection of different targets of interest, including RNA, non-nucleic acid molecules, metal ions, and so on. They could be easily designed and emit a strong fluorescence signal once bound to specified fluorogens. Recently, one unique aptamer called Mango-II has been discovered to possess a strong affinity and excellent fluorescent properties with fluorogens TO1-Biotin and TO3-Biotin. To explore the binding mechanisms, computational simulations have been performed to obtain structural and thermodynamic information about FLAPs at atomic resolution. AMOEBA polarizable force field, with the capability of handling the highly charged and flexible RNA system, was utilized for the simulation of Mango-II with TO1-Biotin and TO3-Biotin in this work. The calculated binding free energy using published crystal structures is in excellent agreement with the experimental values. Given the challenges in modeling complex RNA dynamics, our work demonstrates that MD simulation with a polarizable force field is valuable for understanding aptamer-fluorogen binding and potentially designing new aptamers or fluorogens with better performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Chengwen Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Yu-An Kuo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Hsin-Chih Yeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Texas Materials Institute, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Pengyu Ren
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Science, Austin, TX, United States
- Interdisciplinary Life Science Graduate Programs, Austin, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Lee S, Godhulayyagari S, Nguyen ST, Lu JK, Ebrahimi SB, Samanta D. Signal Transduction Strategies for Analyte Detection Using DNA-Based Nanostructures. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022; 61:e202202211. [PMID: 35307938 DOI: 10.1002/anie.202202211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The use of DNA-based nanostructures as probes has led to significant advances in chemical and biological sensing, allowing the detection of analytes in complex media, the understanding of fundamental biological processes, and the ability to diagnose diseases based on molecular signatures. The utility of these structures arises both from DNA's inherent ability to selectively recognize and bind a variety of chemical species and from the unique properties observed when DNA is restructured at the nanoscale. In this Minireview, we chronicle the most commonly used signal transduction strategies that have been interfaced with various DNA-based nanostructures. We discuss the types of analytes and the detection scenarios that are sought after, delineate the advantages and disadvantages of each signaling strategy, and outline the key considerations that guide the selection of each signaling method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seungheon Lee
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E 24th Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Shivudu Godhulayyagari
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E 24th Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Shadler T Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 2500 Speedway, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jasmine K Lu
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E 24th Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Sasha B Ebrahimi
- Biopharmaceutical Product Sciences, GlaxoSmithKline, 1250 S Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA
| | - Devleena Samanta
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Texas at Austin, 105 E 24th Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sakai A, Deich CR, Nelissen FHT, Jonker AJ, Bittencourt DMDC, Kempes CP, Wise KS, Heus HA, Huck WTS, Adamala KP, Glass JI. Traditional Protocols and Optimization Methods Lead to Absent Expression in a Mycoplasma Cell-Free Gene Expression Platform. Synth Biol (Oxf) 2022; 7:ysac008. [PMID: 35774105 PMCID: PMC9239315 DOI: 10.1093/synbio/ysac008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-free expression (CFE) systems are one of the main platforms for building synthetic cells. A major drawback is the orthogonality of cell-free systems across species. To generate a CFE system compatible with recently established minimal cell constructs, we attempted to optimize a Mycoplasma bacterium-based CFE system using lysates of the genome-minimized cell JCVI-syn3A (Syn3A) and its close phylogenetic relative Mycoplasma capricolum (Mcap). To produce mycoplasma-derived crude lysates, we systematically tested methods commonly used for bacteria, based on the S30 protocol of Escherichia coli. Unexpectedly, after numerous attempts to optimize lysate production methods or composition of feeding buffer, none of the Mcap or Syn3A lysates supported cell-free gene expression. Only modest levels of in vitro transcription of RNA aptamers were observed. While our experimental systems were intended to perform transcription and translation, our assays focused on RNA. Further investigations identified persistently high ribonuclease (RNase) activity in all lysates, despite removal of recognizable nucleases from the respective genomes and attempts to inhibit nuclease activities in assorted CFE preparations. An alternative method using digitonin to permeabilize the mycoplasma cell membrane produced a lysate with diminished RNase activity yet still was unable to support cell-free gene expression. We found that intact mycoplasma cells poisoned E. coli cell-free extracts by degrading ribosomal RNAs, indicating that the mycoplasma cells, even the minimal cell, have a surface-associated RNase activity. However, it is not clear which gene encodes the RNase. This work summarizes attempts to produce mycoplasma-based CFE and serves as a cautionary tale for researchers entering this field.
Graphical Abstract
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrei Sakai
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen, 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Christopher R Deich
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, 420 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Frank H T Nelissen
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen, 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Aafke J Jonker
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen, 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Daniela M de C Bittencourt
- The J. Craig Venter Institute, 4120 Capricorn Lane, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Embrapa Genetic Resources and Biotechnology/National Institute of Science and Technology - Synthetic Biology, Parque Estação Biológica, PqEB, Av. W5 Norte (final), Brasília, DF, 70770-917, Brazil, Norte (final), Brasília, DF, 70770-917, Brazil
| | | | - Kim S Wise
- The J. Craig Venter Institute, 4120 Capricorn Lane, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Hans A Heus
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen, 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Wilhelm T S Huck
- Institute for Molecules and Materials, Radboud University, Heyendaalseweg 135, Nijmegen, 6525 AJ, The Netherlands
| | - Katarzyna P Adamala
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, 420 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - John I Glass
- The J. Craig Venter Institute, 4120 Capricorn Lane, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Liu R, Yang J, Yao J, Zhao Z, He W, Su N, Zhang Z, Zhang C, Zhang Z, Cai H, Zhu L, Zhao Y, Quan S, Chen X, Yang Y. Optogenetic control of RNA function and metabolism using engineered light-switchable RNA-binding proteins. Nat Biotechnol 2022; 40:779-786. [PMID: 34980910 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-021-01112-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) play an essential role in regulating the function of RNAs in a cellular context, but our ability to control RBP activity in time and space is limited. Here, we describe the engineering of LicV, a photoswitchable RBP that binds to a specific RNA sequence in response to blue light irradiation. When fused to various RNA effectors, LicV allows for optogenetic control of RNA localization, splicing, translation and stability in cell culture. Furthermore, LicV-assisted CRISPR-Cas systems allow for efficient and tunable photoswitchable regulation of transcription and genomic locus labeling. These data demonstrate that the photoswitchable RBP LicV can serve as a programmable scaffold for the spatiotemporal control of synthetic RNA effectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renmei Liu
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Yao
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhou Zhao
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei He
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ni Su
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeyi Zhang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenxia Zhang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibo Cai
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Linyong Zhu
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhao
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu Quan
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianjun Chen
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi Yang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
- School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
- CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Lee S, Godhulayyagari S, Nguyen ST, Lu JK, Ebrahimi SB, Samanta D. Signal Transduction Strategies for Analyte Detection Using DNA‐Based Nanostructures. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.202202211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Seungheon Lee
- Department of Chemistry The University of Texas at Austin 105 E 24th Street Austin TX 78712 USA
| | - Shivudu Godhulayyagari
- Department of Chemistry The University of Texas at Austin 105 E 24th Street Austin TX 78712 USA
| | - Shadler T. Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Biosciences The University of Texas at Austin 2500 Speedway Austin TX 78712 USA
| | - Jasmine K. Lu
- Department of Chemistry The University of Texas at Austin 105 E 24th Street Austin TX 78712 USA
| | - Sasha B. Ebrahimi
- Biopharmaceutical Product Sciences GlaxoSmithKline 1250 S Collegeville Road Collegeville PA 19426 USA
| | - Devleena Samanta
- Department of Chemistry The University of Texas at Austin 105 E 24th Street Austin TX 78712 USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nucleic acid-based fluorescent sensor systems: a review. Polym J 2022. [DOI: 10.1038/s41428-022-00623-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
|
19
|
Xu T, Sun Y, Yu S, Wu S, Su Y, Tian Y, Zhou Y, Zhu JJ. A fluorogenic RNA aptamer nanodevice for the low background imaging of mRNA in living cells. Chem Commun (Camb) 2022; 58:1354-1357. [PMID: 34988573 DOI: 10.1039/d1cc06582c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
A fluorogenic RNA aptamer nanodevice integrating an entropy-driven RNA amplifier with near-infrared (NIR) light control was developed, affording high contrast and sensitivity for imaging low-abundance mRNA in living cells. The design principle offers a new approach for developing low-background imaging systems for live-cell studies and manipulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Sha Yu
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China.
| | - Shaojun Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Yu Su
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China.
| | - Ye Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China. .,Shenzhen Research Institute of Nanjing University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Yuanzhen Zhou
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China.
| | - Jun-Jie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, China. .,School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xi'an University of Architecture and Technology, Xi'an 710055, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
|
21
|
Moon JD, Wu J, Dey SK, Litke JL, Li X, Kim H, Jaffrey SR. Naturally occurring three-way junctions can be repurposed as genetically encoded RNA-based sensors. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:1569-1580.e4. [PMID: 34010626 PMCID: PMC8573057 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Small molecules can be imaged in living cells using biosensors composed of RNA. However, RNA-based devices are difficult to design. Here, we describe a versatile platform for designing RNA-based fluorescent small-molecule sensors using naturally occurring highly stable three-way junction RNAs. We show that ligand-binding aptamers and fluorogenic aptamers can be inserted into three-way junctions and connected in a way that enables the three-way junction to function as a small-molecule-regulated fluorescent sensor in vitro and in cells. The sensors are designed so that the interhelical stabilizing interactions in the three-way junction are only induced upon ligand binding. We use these RNA-based devices to measure the dynamics of S-adenosylmethionine levels in mammalian cells in real time. We show that this strategy is compatible with diverse metabolite-binding RNA aptamers, fluorogenic aptamers, and three-way junctions. Overall, these data demonstrate a versatile method for readily generating RNA devices that function in living cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jared D Moon
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA; Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri-Institutional MD-PhD Program, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jiahui Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sourav K Dey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jacob L Litke
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Xing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Hyaeyeong Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rational Design of Allosteric Fluorogenic RNA Sensors for Cellular Imaging. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34086279 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1499-0_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Fluorescence-based tools are invaluable in studying cellular functions. Traditional small molecule or protein-based fluorescent sensors have been widely used for the cellular imaging, but the choice of targets is still limited. Recently, fluorogenic RNA-based sensors gained lots of attention. This novel sensor system can function as a general platform for various cellular targets. Here, we describe the steps to rationally design, optimize, and apply fluorogenic RNA-based sensors, using the intracellular imaging of tetracycline in living E. coli cells as an example.
Collapse
|
23
|
Yu Q, Ren K, You M. Genetically encoded RNA nanodevices for cellular imaging and regulation. NANOSCALE 2021; 13:7988-8003. [PMID: 33885099 PMCID: PMC8122502 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr08301a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid-based nanodevices have been widely used in the fields of biosensing and nanomedicine. Traditionally, the majority of these nanodevices were first constructed in vitro using synthetic DNA or RNA oligonucleotides and then delivered into cells. Nowadays, the emergence of genetically encoded RNA nanodevices has provided a promising alternative approach for intracellular analysis and regulation. These genetically encoded RNA-based nanodevices can be directly transcribed and continuously produced inside living cells. A variety of highly precise and programmable nanodevices have been constructed in this way during the last decade. In this review, we will summarize the recent advances in the design and function of these artificial genetically encoded RNA nanodevices. In particular, we will focus on their applications in regulating cellular gene expression, imaging, logic operation, structural biology, and optogenetics. We believe these versatile RNA-based nanodevices will be broadly used in the near future to probe and program cells and other biological systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qikun Yu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
| | - Kewei Ren
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
| | - Mingxu You
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
Technologies for RNA imaging in live cells play an important role in understanding the function and regulatory process of RNAs. One approach for genetically encoded fluorescent RNA imaging involves fluorescent light-up aptamers (FLAPs), which are short RNA sequences that can bind cognate fluorogens and activate their fluorescence greatly. Over the past few years, FLAPs have emerged as genetically encoded RNA-based fluorescent biosensors for the cellular imaging and detection of various targets of interest. In this review, we first give a brief overview of the development of the current FLAPs based on various fluorogens. Then we further discuss on the photocycles of the reversibly photoswitching properties in FLAPs and their photostability. Finally, we focus on the applications of FLAPs as genetically encoded RNA-based fluorescent biosensors in biosensing and bioimaging, including RNA, non-nucleic acid molecules, metal ions imaging and quantitative imaging. Their design strategies and recent cellular applications are emphasized and summarized in detail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huangmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sanjun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Precision Spectroscopy, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Extreme Optics, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.,NYU-ECNU Institute of Physics at NYU Shanghai, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ryckelynck M. Development and Applications of Fluorogen/Light-Up RNA Aptamer Pairs for RNA Detection and More. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2166:73-102. [PMID: 32710404 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0712-1_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The central role of RNA in living systems made it highly desirable to have noninvasive and sensitive technologies allowing for imaging the synthesis and the location of these molecules in living cells. This need motivated the development of small pro-fluorescent molecules called "fluorogens" that become fluorescent upon binding to genetically encodable RNAs called "light-up aptamers." Yet, the development of these fluorogen/light-up RNA pairs is a long and thorough process starting with the careful design of the fluorogen and pursued by the selection of a specific and efficient synthetic aptamer. This chapter summarizes the main design and the selection strategies used up to now prior to introducing the main pairs. Then, the vast application potential of these molecules for live-cell RNA imaging and other applications is presented and discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Ryckelynck
- Université de Strasbourg, CNRS, Architecture et Réactivité de l'ARN, UPR 9002, Strasbourg, France.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Shanaa OA, Rumyantsev A, Sambuk E, Padkina M. In Vivo Production of RNA Aptamers and Nanoparticles: Problems and Prospects. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26051422. [PMID: 33800717 PMCID: PMC7961669 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26051422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
RNA aptamers are becoming increasingly attractive due to their superior properties. This review discusses the early stages of aptamer research, the main developments in this area, and the latest technologies being developed. The review also highlights the advantages of RNA aptamers in comparison to antibodies, considering the great potential of RNA aptamers and their applications in the near future. In addition, it is shown how RNA aptamers can form endless 3-D structures, giving rise to various structural and functional possibilities. Special attention is paid to the Mango, Spinach and Broccoli fluorescent RNA aptamers, and the advantages of split RNA aptamers are discussed. The review focuses on the importance of creating a platform for the synthesis of RNA nanoparticles in vivo and examines yeast, namely Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as a potential model organism for the production of RNA nanoparticles on a large scale.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ousama Al Shanaa
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (A.R.); (E.S.)
- Atomic Energy Commission of Syria, Damascus P.O.B 6091, Syria
- Correspondence: (O.A.S.); (M.P.); Tel.: +7-812-328-2822 (O.A.S.); +7-812-327-9827 (M.P.)
| | - Andrey Rumyantsev
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (A.R.); (E.S.)
| | - Elena Sambuk
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (A.R.); (E.S.)
| | - Marina Padkina
- Department of Genetics and Biotechnology, Saint Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint Petersburg, Russia; (A.R.); (E.S.)
- Correspondence: (O.A.S.); (M.P.); Tel.: +7-812-328-2822 (O.A.S.); +7-812-327-9827 (M.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Swetha P, Fan Z, Wang F, Jiang JH. Genetically encoded light-up RNA aptamers and their applications for imaging and biosensing. J Mater Chem B 2021; 8:3382-3392. [PMID: 31984401 DOI: 10.1039/c9tb02668a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Intracellular small ligands and biomacromolecules are playing crucial roles not only as executors but also as regulators. It is essential to develop tools to investigate their dynamics to interrogate their functions and reflect the cellular status. Light-up RNA aptamers are RNA sequences that can bind with their cognate nonfluorescent fluorogens and greatly activate their fluorescence. The emergence of genetically encoded light-up RNA aptamers has provided fascinating tools for studying intracellular small ligands and biomacromolecules owing to their high fluorescence activation degree and facile programmability. Here we review the burgeoning field of light-up RNA aptamers. We first briefly introduce light-up RNA aptamers with a focus on the photophysical properties of the fluorogens. Then design strategies of genetically encoded light-up RNA aptamer based sensors including turn-on, signal amplification and ratiometric rationales are emphasized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Puchakayala Swetha
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hu-nan University, Changsha, 410082, P. R. China.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Dou CX, Liu C, Ying ZM, Dong W, Wang F, Jiang JH. Genetically Encoded Dual-Color Light-Up RNA Sensor Enabled Ratiometric Imaging of MicroRNA. Anal Chem 2021; 93:2534-2540. [PMID: 33461295 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c04588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play essential roles in regulating gene expression and cell fate. However, it remains a great challenge to image miRNAs with high accuracy in living cells. Here, we report a novel genetically encoded dual-color light-up RNA sensor for ratiometric imaging of miRNAs using Mango as an internal reference and SRB2 as the sensor module. This genetically encoded sensor is designed by expressing a splittable fusion of the internal reference and sensor module under a single promoter. This design strategy allows synchronous expression of the two modules with negligible interference. Live cell imaging studies reveal that the genetically encoded ratiometric RNA sensor responds specifically to mir-224. Moreover, the sensor-to-Mango fluorescence ratios are linearly correlated with the concentrations of mir-224, confirming their capability of determining mir-224 concentrations in living cells. Our genetically encoded light-up RNA sensor also enables ratiometric imaging of mir-224 in different cell lines. This strategy could provide a versatile approach for ratiometric imaging of intracellular RNAs, affording powerful tools for interrogating RNA functions and abundance in living cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cai-Xia Dou
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Chaoyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Zhan-Ming Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Wanrong Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Fenglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| | - Jian-Hui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Bio-Sensing and Chemometrics, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha, Hunan 410082, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Nishio M, Tsukakoshi K, Ikebukuro K. G-quadruplex: Flexible conformational changes by cations, pH, crowding and its applications to biosensing. Biosens Bioelectron 2021; 178:113030. [PMID: 33524709 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
G-quadruplex (G4) is a non-canonical structure that is formed in G-rich sequences of nucleic acids. G4s play important roles in vivo, such as telomere maintenance, transcription, and DNA replication. There are three typical topologies of G4: parallel, anti-parallel, and hybrid. In general, metal cations, such as potassium and sodium, stabilize G4s through coordination in the G-quartet. While G4s have some functions in vivo, there are many reports of developed applications that use G4s. As various conformations of G4s could form from one sequence depending on varying conditions, many researchers have developed G4-based sensors. Furthermore, G4 is a great scaffold of aptamers since many aptamers folded into G4s have also been reported. However, there are some challenges about its practical use due to the difference between practical sample conditions and experimental ones. G4 conformations are dramatically altered by the surrounding conditions, such as metal cations, pH, and crowding. Many studies have been conducted to characterize G4 conformations under various conditions, not only to use G4s in practical applications but also to reveal its function in vivo. In this review, we summarize recent studies that have investigated the effects of surrounding conditions (e.g., metal cations, pH, and crowding) on G4 conformations and the application of G4s mainly in biosensor fields, and in others.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maui Nishio
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Kaori Tsukakoshi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan
| | - Kazunori Ikebukuro
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16 Naka-cho, Koganei, Tokyo, 184-8588, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Bezerra AB, Kurian ASN, Easley CJ. Nucleic-Acid Driven Cooperative Bioassays Using Probe Proximity or Split-Probe Techniques. Anal Chem 2021; 93:198-214. [PMID: 33147015 PMCID: PMC7855502 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.0c04364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
31
|
Al Mazid MF, Shkel O, Kharkivska Y, Lee JS. Application of fluorescent turn-on aptamers in RNA studies. Mol Omics 2021; 17:483-491. [PMID: 34137415 DOI: 10.1039/d1mo00085c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
RNA is an intermediate player between DNA transcription and protein translation. RNAs also interact with other macromolecules and metabolites and regulate their fate. The emerging number of RNA identifications expanded new areas of study to determine their applicability and functional analysis. Recently, extensive research has been focused on visualizing RNA in living biological samples and a method has been developed by the evolution of specific fluorophore-binding aptamers through the Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment (SELEX) method. Several promising fluorescent turn-on aptamers are currently available, and they can detect RNA-RNA, RNA-protein, ligand binding, small molecule, and metabolite interactions in vitro and under live-cell conditions. Here we review the currently available fluorescent turn-on aptamers and discuss their applicability for analyzing the fate of targeted RNAs in in vitro and in vivo systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Olha Shkel
- Bio-Med Program KIST-School UST, Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Jun-Seok Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Li X, Mo L, Litke JL, Dey SK, Suter SR, Jaffrey SR. Imaging Intracellular S-Adenosyl Methionine Dynamics in Live Mammalian Cells with a Genetically Encoded Red Fluorescent RNA-Based Sensor. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:14117-14124. [PMID: 32698574 PMCID: PMC8158784 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c02931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
To understand the role of intracellular metabolites in cellular processes, it is important to measure the dynamics and fluxes of small molecules in living cells. Although conventional metabolite sensors composed of fluorescent proteins have been made to detect some metabolites, an emerging approach is to use genetically encoded sensors composed of RNA. Because of the ability to rapidly generate metabolite-binding RNA aptamers, RNA-based sensors have the potential to be designed more readily than protein-based sensors. Numerous strategies have been developed to convert the green-fluorescent Spinach or Broccoli fluorogenic RNA aptamers into metabolite-regulated sensors. Nevertheless, red fluorescence is particularly desirable because of the low level of red background fluorescence in cells. However, the red fluorescent variant of the Broccoli aptamer, Red Broccoli, does not exhibit red fluorescence in cells when imaged with its cognate fluorophore. It is not known why Red Broccoli is fluorescent in vitro but not in live mammalian cells. Here, we develop a new fluorophore, OBI (3,5-difluoro-4-hydroxybenzylidene-imidazolinone-2-oxime-1-benzoimidazole), which binds Red Broccoli with high affinity and makes Red Broccoli resistant to thermal unfolding. We show that OBI enables Red Broccoli to be readily detected in live mammalian cells. Furthermore, we show that Red Broccoli can be fused to a S-adenosyl methionine (SAM)-binding aptamer to generate a red fluorescent RNA-based sensor that enables imaging of SAM in live mammalian cells. These results reveal a red fluorescent fluorogenic aptamer that functions in mammalian cells and that can be readily developed into red fluorescent RNA-based sensors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Liuting Mo
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Jacob L Litke
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Sourav Kumar Dey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Scott R Suter
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York 10065, United States
| | - Samie R Jaffrey
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, New York 10065, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
|
34
|
Ebrahimi SB, Samanta D, Mirkin CA. DNA-Based Nanostructures for Live-Cell Analysis. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:11343-11356. [DOI: 10.1021/jacs.0c04978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
35
|
Debiais M, Lelievre A, Smietana M, Müller S. Splitting aptamers and nucleic acid enzymes for the development of advanced biosensors. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:3400-3422. [PMID: 32112111 PMCID: PMC7144939 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In analogy to split-protein systems, which rely on the appropriate fragmentation of protein domains, split aptamers made of two or more short nucleic acid strands have emerged as novel tools in biosensor set-ups. The concept relies on dissecting an aptamer into a series of two or more independent fragments, able to assemble in the presence of a specific target. The stability of the assembled structure can further be enhanced by functionalities that upon folding would lead to covalent end-joining of the fragments. To date, only a few aptamers have been split successfully, and application of split aptamers in biosensing approaches remains as promising as it is challenging. Further improving the stability of split aptamer target complexes and with that the sensitivity as well as efficient working modes are important tasks. Here we review functional nucleic acid assemblies that are derived from aptamers and ribozymes/DNAzymes. We focus on the thrombin, the adenosine/ATP and the cocaine split aptamers as the three most studied DNA split systems and on split DNAzyme assemblies. Furthermore, we extend the subject into split light up RNA aptamers used as mimics of the green fluorescent protein (GFP), and split ribozymes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mégane Debiais
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENCSM, Montpellier, France
| | - Amandine Lelievre
- University Greifswald, Institute for Biochemistry, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Michael Smietana
- Institut des Biomolécules Max Mousseron, University of Montpellier, CNRS, ENCSM, Montpellier, France
| | - Sabine Müller
- University Greifswald, Institute for Biochemistry, Greifswald, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Samanta D, Ebrahimi SB, Mirkin CA. Nucleic-Acid Structures as Intracellular Probes for Live Cells. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2020; 32:e1901743. [PMID: 31271253 PMCID: PMC6942251 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201901743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The chemical composition of cells at the molecular level determines their growth, differentiation, structure, and function. Probing this composition is powerful because it provides invaluable insight into chemical processes inside cells and in certain cases allows disease diagnosis based on molecular profiles. However, many techniques analyze fixed cells or lysates of bulk populations, in which information about dynamics and cellular heterogeneity is lost. Recently, nucleic-acid-based probes have emerged as a promising platform for the detection of a wide variety of intracellular analytes in live cells with single-cell resolution. Recent advances in this field are described and common strategies for probe design, types of targets that can be identified, current limitations, and future directions are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Devleena Samanta
- Department of Chemistry and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Sasha B Ebrahimi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| | - Chad A Mirkin
- Department of Chemistry and International Institute for Nanotechnology, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL, 60208, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wu R, Karunanayake Mudiyanselage AP, Ren K, Sun Z, Tian Q, Zhao B, Bagheri Y, Lutati D, Keshri P, You M. Ratiometric Fluorogenic RNA-Based Sensors for Imaging Live-Cell Dynamics of Small Molecules. ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS 2020; 3:2633-2642. [DOI: 10.1021/acsabm.9b01237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rigumula Wu
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | | | - Kewei Ren
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Zhining Sun
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Qian Tian
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Yousef Bagheri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - David Lutati
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Puspam Keshri
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Mingxu You
- Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Ren K, Wu R, Karunanayake Mudiyanselage APKK, Yu Q, Zhao B, Xie Y, Bagheri Y, Tian Q, You M. In Situ Genetically Cascaded Amplification for Imaging RNA Subcellular Locations. J Am Chem Soc 2020; 142:2968-2974. [PMID: 31968164 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.9b11748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In situ amplification methods, such as hybridization chain reaction, are valuable tools for mapping the spatial distribution and subcellular location of target analytes. However, the live-cell applications of these methods are still limited due to challenges in the probe delivery, degradation, and cytotoxicity. Herein, we report a novel genetically encoded in situ amplification method to noninvasively image the subcellular location of RNA targets in living cells. In our system, a fluorogenic RNA reporter, Broccoli, was split into two nonfluorescent fragments and conjugated to the end of two RNA hairpin strands. The binding of one target RNA can then trigger a cascaded hybridization between these hairpin pairs and thus activate multiple Broccoli fluorescence signals. We have shown that such an in situ amplified strategy can be used for the sensitive detection and location imaging of various RNA targets in living bacterial and mammalian cells. This new design principle provides an effective and versatile platform for tracking various intracellular analytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kewei Ren
- Department of Chemistry , University of Massachusetts , Amherst , Massachusetts 01003 , United States
| | - Rigumula Wu
- Department of Chemistry , University of Massachusetts , Amherst , Massachusetts 01003 , United States
| | | | - Qikun Yu
- Department of Chemistry , University of Massachusetts , Amherst , Massachusetts 01003 , United States
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Chemistry , University of Massachusetts , Amherst , Massachusetts 01003 , United States
| | - Yiwen Xie
- Department of Chemistry , University of Massachusetts , Amherst , Massachusetts 01003 , United States
| | - Yousef Bagheri
- Department of Chemistry , University of Massachusetts , Amherst , Massachusetts 01003 , United States
| | - Qian Tian
- Department of Chemistry , University of Massachusetts , Amherst , Massachusetts 01003 , United States
| | - Mingxu You
- Department of Chemistry , University of Massachusetts , Amherst , Massachusetts 01003 , United States
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Yuan SF, Alper HS. Improving Spinach2-and Broccoli-based biosensors for single and double analytes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biotno.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
40
|
Gao T, Luo Y, Li W, Cao Y, Pei R. Progress in the isolation of aptamers to light-up the dyes and the applications. Analyst 2020; 145:701-718. [DOI: 10.1039/c9an01825e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The progress in the selection of aptamers to light-up the dyes and the related applications are reviewed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Gao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface
- Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Suzhou
- China
| | - Yu Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface
- Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Suzhou
- China
| | - Wenjing Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface
- Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Suzhou
- China
| | - Yanwei Cao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface
- Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Suzhou
- China
| | - Renjun Pei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nano-Bio Interface
- Suzhou Institute of Nano-Tech and Nano-Bionics
- Chinese Academy of Sciences
- Suzhou
- China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Deng H, Yan S, Huang Y, Lei C, Nie Z. Design strategies for fluorescent proteins/mimics and their applications in biosensing and bioimaging. Trends Analyt Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2019.115757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
|
42
|
Wu R, Karunanayake Mudiyanselage APKK, Shafiei F, Zhao B, Bagheri Y, Yu Q, McAuliffe K, Ren K, You M. Genetically Encoded Ratiometric RNA‐Based Sensors for Quantitative Imaging of Small Molecules in Living Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ange.201911799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rigumula Wu
- University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01003 USA
| | | | | | - Bin Zhao
- University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01003 USA
| | | | - Qikun Yu
- University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01003 USA
| | | | - Kewei Ren
- University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01003 USA
| | - Mingxu You
- University of Massachusetts Amherst MA 01003 USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Panigaj M, Johnson MB, Ke W, McMillan J, Goncharova EA, Chandler M, Afonin KA. Aptamers as Modular Components of Therapeutic Nucleic Acid Nanotechnology. ACS NANO 2019; 13:12301-12321. [PMID: 31664817 PMCID: PMC7382785 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.9b06522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acids play a central role in all domains of life, either as genetic blueprints or as regulators of various biochemical pathways. The chemical makeup of ribonucleic acid (RNA) or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), generally represented by a sequence of four monomers, also provides precise instructions for folding and higher-order assembly of these biopolymers that, in turn, dictate biological functions. The sequence-based specific 3D structures of nucleic acids led to the development of the directed evolution of oligonucleotides, SELEX (systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment), against a chosen target molecule. Among the variety of functions, selected oligonucleotides named aptamers also allow targeting of cell-specific receptors with antibody-like precision and can deliver functional RNAs without a transfection agent. The advancements in the field of customizable nucleic acid nanoparticles (NANPs) opened avenues for the design of nanoassemblies utilizing aptamers for triggering or blocking cell signaling pathways or using aptamer-receptor combinations to activate therapeutic functionalities. A recent selection of fluorescent aptamers enables real-time tracking of NANP formation and interactions. The aptamers are anticipated to contribute to the future development of technologies, enabling an efficient assembly of functional NANPs in mammalian cells or in vivo. These research topics are of top importance for the field of therapeutic nucleic acid nanotechnology with the promises to scale up mass production of NANPs suitable for biomedical applications, to control the intracellular organization of biological materials to enhance the efficiency of biochemical pathways, and to enhance the therapeutic potential of NANP-based therapeutics while minimizing undesired side effects and toxicities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Panigaj
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
- Institute of Biology and Ecology, Faculty of Science, Pavol Jozef Safarik University in Kosice, Kosice 04154, Slovak Republic
| | - M. Brittany Johnson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Weina Ke
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Jessica McMillan
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Ekaterina A. Goncharova
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
- Laboratory of Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies, ITMO University, St. Petersburg 191002, Russian Federation
| | - Morgan Chandler
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| | - Kirill A. Afonin
- Nanoscale Science Program, Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, North Carolina 28223, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Wu R, Karunanayake Mudiyanselage APKK, Shafiei F, Zhao B, Bagheri Y, Yu Q, McAuliffe K, Ren K, You M. Genetically Encoded Ratiometric RNA-Based Sensors for Quantitative Imaging of Small Molecules in Living Cells. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl 2019; 58:18271-18275. [PMID: 31591798 DOI: 10.1002/anie.201911799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Precisely determining the intracellular concentrations of metabolites and signaling molecules is critical in studying cell biology. Fluorogenic RNA-based sensors have emerged to detect various targets in living cells. However, it is still challenging to apply these genetically encoded sensors to quantify the cellular concentrations and distributions of targets. Herein, using a pair of orthogonal fluorogenic RNA aptamers, DNB and Broccoli, we engineered a modular sensor system to apply the DNB-to-Broccoli fluorescence ratio to quantify the cell-to-cell variations of target concentrations. These ratiometric sensors can be broadly applied for live-cell imaging and quantification of metabolites, signaling molecules, and other synthetic compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rigumula Wu
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | | | | | - Bin Zhao
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | | | - Qikun Yu
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | | | - Kewei Ren
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Mingxu You
- University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Chen X, Zhang D, Su N, Bao B, Xie X, Zuo F, Yang L, Wang H, Jiang L, Lin Q, Fang M, Li N, Hua X, Chen Z, Bao C, Xu J, Du W, Zhang L, Zhao Y, Zhu L, Loscalzo J, Yang Y. Visualizing RNA dynamics in live cells with bright and stable fluorescent RNAs. Nat Biotechnol 2019; 37:1287-1293. [PMID: 31548726 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-019-0249-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fluorescent RNAs (FRs), aptamers that bind and activate fluorescent dyes, have been used to image abundant cellular RNA species. However, limitations such as low brightness and limited availability of dye/aptamer combinations with different spectral characteristics have limited use of these tools in live mammalian cells and in vivo. Here, we develop Peppers, a series of monomeric, bright and stable FRs with a broad range of emission maxima spanning from cyan to red. Peppers allow simple and robust imaging of diverse RNA species in live cells with minimal perturbation of the target RNA's transcription, localization and translation. Quantification of the levels of proteins and their messenger RNAs in single cells suggests that translation is governed by normal enzyme kinetics but with marked heterogeneity. We further show that Peppers can be used for imaging genomic loci with CRISPR display, for real-time tracking of protein-RNA tethering, and for super-resolution imaging. We believe these FRs will be useful tools for live imaging of cellular RNAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xianjun Chen
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Dasheng Zhang
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ni Su
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Bingkun Bao
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Xie
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangting Zuo
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lipeng Yang
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuning Lin
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengyue Fang
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ningfeng Li
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Hua
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengda Chen
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Bao
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinjin Xu
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Control and Optimization for Chemical Processed of Ministry of Education, School of information Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenli Du
- Key Laboratory of Advanced Control and Optimization for Chemical Processed of Ministry of Education, School of information Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixin Zhang
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhao
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Linyong Zhu
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China. .,School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Joseph Loscalzo
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yi Yang
- Optogenetics and Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Collaborative Innovation Center for Biomanufacturing Technology, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China. .,CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China. .,School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Chia HE, Marsh ENG, Biteen JS. Extending fluorescence microscopy into anaerobic environments. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2019; 51:98-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2019.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2018] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
|
47
|
Umar MI, Ji D, Chan CY, Kwok CK. G-Quadruplex-Based Fluorescent Turn-On Ligands and Aptamers: From Development to Applications. Molecules 2019; 24:E2416. [PMID: 31262059 PMCID: PMC6650947 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24132416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Guanine (G)-quadruplexes (G4s) are unique nucleic acid structures that are formed by stacked G-tetrads in G-rich DNA or RNA sequences. G4s have been reported to play significant roles in various cellular events in both macro- and micro-organisms. The identification and characterization of G4s can help to understand their different biological roles and potential applications in diagnosis and therapy. In addition to biophysical and biochemical methods to interrogate G4 formation, G4 fluorescent turn-on ligands can be used to target and visualize G4 formation both in vitro and in cells. Here, we review several representative classes of G4 fluorescent turn-on ligands in terms of their interaction mechanism and application perspectives. Interestingly, G4 structures are commonly identified in DNA and RNA aptamers against targets that include proteins and small molecules, which can be utilized as G4 tools for diverse applications. We therefore also summarize the recent development of G4-containing aptamers and highlight their applications in biosensing, bioimaging, and therapy. Moreover, we discuss the current challenges and future perspectives of G4 fluorescent turn-on ligands and G4-containing aptamers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mubarak I Umar
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Danyang Ji
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun-Yin Chan
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chun Kit Kwok
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Ying ZM, Yuan YY, Tu B, Tang LJ, Yu RQ, Jiang JH. A single promoter system co-expressing RNA sensor with fluorescent proteins for quantitative mRNA imaging in living tumor cells. Chem Sci 2019; 10:4828-4833. [PMID: 31160957 PMCID: PMC6509996 DOI: 10.1039/c9sc00458k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically encoded light-up RNA aptamers afford a valuable platform for developing RNA sensors toward live cell imaging. However, quantitative imaging of intracellular RNAs remains a grand challenge. Here we reported a novel genetically encoded RNA sensor strategy using a plasmid that expresses a splittable fusion of the RNA sensor and the GFP mRNA in an individual transcript using a single promoter system. This splittable fusion design enables synchronous co-expression of the RNA sensor with GFP mRNA while alleviates the interference with correct folding of RNA aptamers due to intramolecular hybridization. This single-promoter system is applied to ratiometric imaging of survivin mRNA in tumor cells. The results reveal that the ratiometric images dynamically correlated with survivin mRNA concentrations and allow quantitative imaging of survivin mRNA in different tumor cells. The RNA sensor strategy may provide a new paradigm for developing a robust imaging platform for quantitative mRNA studies in living cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhan-Ming Ying
- Institute of Chemical Biology & Nanomedicine , State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing & Chemometrics , College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering , Hunan University , Changsha 410082 , China . ;
| | - Yue-Yan Yuan
- Institute of Chemical Biology & Nanomedicine , State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing & Chemometrics , College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering , Hunan University , Changsha 410082 , China . ;
| | - Bin Tu
- Institute of Chemical Biology & Nanomedicine , State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing & Chemometrics , College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering , Hunan University , Changsha 410082 , China . ;
| | - Li-Juan Tang
- Institute of Chemical Biology & Nanomedicine , State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing & Chemometrics , College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering , Hunan University , Changsha 410082 , China . ;
| | - Ru-Qin Yu
- Institute of Chemical Biology & Nanomedicine , State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing & Chemometrics , College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering , Hunan University , Changsha 410082 , China . ;
| | - Jian-Hui Jiang
- Institute of Chemical Biology & Nanomedicine , State Key Laboratory of Chemo/Biosensing & Chemometrics , College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering , Hunan University , Changsha 410082 , China . ;
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Intracellular Imaging with Genetically Encoded RNA-based Molecular Sensors. NANOMATERIALS 2019; 9:nano9020233. [PMID: 30744040 PMCID: PMC6410142 DOI: 10.3390/nano9020233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Genetically encodable sensors have been widely used in the detection of intracellular molecules ranging from metal ions and metabolites to nucleic acids and proteins. These biosensors are capable of monitoring in real-time the cellular levels, locations, and cell-to-cell variations of the target compounds in living systems. Traditionally, the majority of these sensors have been developed based on fluorescent proteins. As an exciting alternative, genetically encoded RNA-based molecular sensors (GERMS) have emerged over the past few years for the intracellular imaging and detection of various biological targets. In view of their ability for the general detection of a wide range of target analytes, and the modular and simple design principle, GERMS are becoming a popular choice for intracellular analysis. In this review, we summarize different design principles of GERMS based on various RNA recognition modules, transducer modules, and reporting systems. Some recent advances in the application of GERMS for intracellular imaging are also discussed. With further improvement in biostability, sensitivity, and robustness, GERMS can potentially be widely used in cell biology and biotechnology.
Collapse
|
50
|
Zhou Y, Shen S, Lau C, Lu J. A conformational switch-based fluorescent biosensor for homogeneous detection of telomerase activity. Talanta 2019; 199:21-26. [PMID: 30952248 DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
As a universal tumor biomarker, research on the activity and inhibition of telomerase is of great importance for cancer diagnosis and therapy. Herein, we demonstrate the conformational switch-based fluorescence detection of telomerase activity using a redesigned RNA aptamer Spinach. Briefly, the original Spinach aptamer was extended at its 5' end and folded into an inactive conformation, where association with the small molecule fluorophore, 5-difluoro-4-hydroxybenzylidene imidazolinone (DFHBI) was prevented. Only in the presence of telomerase, (TTAGGG)n repeats were added to the 3' end of the telomerase substrate primer, and the elongation products hybridized with inactive Spinach molecules, triggering its conformational switch and refolding it into the active, DFHBI-binding conformation. Moreover, the fluorescence signal was further amplified through a target recycling circuit, where Ribonuclease H (RNase H) specifically hydrolyzed the phosphodiester bonds of RNA in the DNA-RNA hybrid. The released telomere products could then hybridize to new inactive Spinach molecules and initiate multiple amplification cycles. The proposed fluorescent biosensor presented great performance for telomerase activity detection from 100 to 5 × 104 Hela cells with a detection limit of 100 cells. Besides, this new assay offers a good biosensing platform for differentiation of cancer cell lines from normal cell line and evaluation the inhibition efficiency of telomere-binding ligand, which is of great importance for telomerase-related cancer diagnosis and therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shujuan Shen
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Choiwan Lau
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jianzhong Lu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, 826 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|