Live Cell Imaging of Endogenous mRNA Using RNA-Based Fluorescence "Turn-On" Probe

ACS Chem Biol. 2017 Jan 20;12(1):200-205. doi: 10.1021/acschembio.6b00586. Epub 2016 Dec 7.

Abstract

Messenger RNA (mRNA) plays a critical role in cellular growth and development. However, there have been limited methods available to visualize endogenous mRNA in living cells with ease. We have designed RNA-based fluorescence "turn-on" probes that target mRNA by fusing an unstable form of Spinach with target-complementary sequences. These probes have been demonstrated to be selective, stable, and capable of targeting various mRNAs for live E. coli imaging.

MeSH terms

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / chemistry*
  • Benzyl Compounds / chemistry*
  • Escherichia coli / chemistry
  • Escherichia coli / genetics
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • G-Quadruplexes
  • Imidazolines / chemistry*
  • Nucleic Acid Hybridization
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis*
  • RNA, Messenger / chemistry
  • Spectrometry, Fluorescence

Substances

  • 3,5-difluoro-4-hydroxybenzylidene imidazolinone
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • Benzyl Compounds
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Imidazolines
  • RNA, Messenger