Near-infrared fluorogenic RNA for in vivo imaging and sensing
Abstract Fluorogenic RNA aptamers have various applications, including use as fluorescent tags for imaging RNA trafficking and as indicators of RNA-based sensors that exhibit fluorescence upon binding small-molecule fluorophores in living cells. Current fluorogenic RNA:fluorophore complexes typicall...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Nature Portfolio
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Nature Communications |
| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-55093-1 |
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| Summary: | Abstract Fluorogenic RNA aptamers have various applications, including use as fluorescent tags for imaging RNA trafficking and as indicators of RNA-based sensors that exhibit fluorescence upon binding small-molecule fluorophores in living cells. Current fluorogenic RNA:fluorophore complexes typically emit visible fluorescence. However, it is challenging to develop fluorogenic RNA with near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence for in vivo imaging and sensing studies. To address this issue, we identify and modulate red fluorescent protein-like fluorophores to bind Squash, a highly folded fluorogenic RNA. One of these fluorophores, DFQL-1T, exhibits photostable NIR fluorescence when bound to Squash, enabling RNA visualization in living mammalian cells and mice. With Squash:DFQL-1T complexes, we generate RNA-based sensors for detecting non-coding RNAs and small molecule targets in living mammalian cells and in mice. These studies reveal a fluorogenic RNA:fluorophore complex that can be readily developed into NIR fluorescent RNA tags for in vivo imaging and sensing. |
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| ISSN: | 2041-1723 |