In Situ Single-Molecule Imaging of MicroRNAs in Switchable Migrating Cells under Biomimetic Confinement

Anal Chem. 2022 Mar 8;94(9):4030-4038. doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c05223. Epub 2022 Feb 25.

Abstract

Spatial imaging of RNAs in single cells is extremely charming for deciphering of regulatory mechanisms in multiple migration modes during tumor metastasis. Herein, enzyme-free-mediated cascade amplified nanoprobes were designed for in situ single-molecule imaging of dual-microRNAs (miRNAs) in switchable migrating cells. Differential expression and localization of dual-miRNAs were clearly exhibited in multiple cell lines attributed to enhanced sensitivity via the cascade signal amplification strategy. Significantly, in situ three-dimensional (3D) imaging of dual-miRNAs in transition of cell migration phenotypes was successfully reconstructed in both non-confined and confined microenvironments in vitro, of which differential spatial distribution was observed in a single cell. This is very promising for exploring key roles of spatial RNA distribution in migrating cells at the single-molecule level, which will advance revealing the molecular mechanism and physical principle in 3D cell migration in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomimetics
  • Cell Movement
  • MicroRNAs* / genetics
  • MicroRNAs* / metabolism
  • Nanotechnology
  • Single Molecule Imaging

Substances

  • MicroRNAs