A modular platform for bioluminescent RNA tracking.
basic_science · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 39557883.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1038/s41467-024-54263-5 and PMC identifier 11574019.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
A complete understanding of RNA biology requires methods for tracking transcripts in vivo. Common strategies rely on fluorogenic probes that are limited in sensitivity, dynamic range, and depth of interrogation, owing to their need for excitation light and tissue autofluorescence. To overcome these challenges, we report a bioluminescent platform for serial imaging of RNAs. The RNA tags are engineered to recruit light-emitting luciferase fragments (termed RNA lanterns) upon transcription. Robust photon production is observed for RNA targets both in cells and in live animals. Importantly, only a single copy of the tag is necessary for sensitive detection, in sharp contrast to fluorescent platforms requiring multiple repeats. Overall, this work provides a foundational platform for visualizing RNA dynamics from the micro to the macro scale.
Medical subject headings
- RNA
- Luminescent Measurements