Organelle-targeted imaging based on fluorogen-activating RNA aptamers in living cells

Abstract

Organelles play specific and indispensable roles in cellular processes, and their dysfunction causes a series of diseases. Monitoring their variations is crucial to understanding their roles in physiopathology. Unlike most organelle imaging tools based on chemical probes or proteins, we developed a novel molecular tool for cell organelle imaging based on nucleic acids. Real-time imaging of mitochondria and nucleus in living cells was realized easily through using RNA-based tools, which are composed of Organelle-targeted RNA Sequence and Fluorogen-activating RNA aptamer. This genetically encoded Organelle-targeted RNA imaging system provides a powerful platform for measuring the properties of organelles and intracellular structures in living cells, due to its nontoxicity, low fluorescence background, ease of construction, and modular properties.