Programmable RNA detection with a fluorescent RNA aptamer using optimized three-way junction formation.

RNAs play essential roles in various cellular processes and can be used as biomarkers. Hence, it is important to detect endogenous RNA for understanding diverse cellular functions and diagnosing diseases. To construct a low-cost and easy-to-use RNA detection probe, a chemically unmodified RNA aptamer that binds to a pro-fluorophore to increase its fluorescence is desirable. Here, we focused on Broccoli, a superior variant of Spinach, which is a well-known fluorescent RNA aptamer that binds to DFHBI-1T and emits green fluorescence. We experimentally characterized Broccoli and predicted that it forms a G-quadruplex-based DFHBI-1T recognition region sandwiched between two stems. Based on this, we designed a Broccoli-based RNA detection probe (BRD probe) composed of a sequence of destabilized Broccoli fused with complementary sequences against target RNA. The resulting probe with its target RNA formed a stable three-way junction, named the MT2 three-way junction, which contributed to efficient refolding of the Broccoli structure and allowed for programmable RNA detection with high signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity. Interestingly, the MT2 three-way junction also could be applied to probe construction of a truncated form of Spinach (Baby Spinach). The BRD and Baby Spinach-based RNA detection probes (BSRD probe) exhibited up to 48- and 140-fold fluorescence enhancements in the presence of their target RNAs and detected small amounts of target RNA that were as low as 160 and 5 nM, respectively. Thus, we experimentally characterized the higher order structure of Broccoli and developed structure-switching aptamer probes for highly sensitive, programmable, RNA detection using an MT2 three-way junction.

RNA-Templated Concatenation of Triplet Nucleic-Acid Probe.

Template-directed synthesis offers several distinct benefits over conventional laboratory creation, including unsurpassed reaction rate and selectivity. Although it is central to many biological processes, such an approach has rarely been applied to the in situ synthesis and recognition of biomedically relevant target. Towards this goal, we report the development of a three-codon nucleic-acid probe containing a C-terminal thioester group and an N-terminal cysteine that is capable of undergoing template-directed oligomerization in the presence of an RNA target and self-deactivation in its absence. The work has implications for the development of millamolecular nucleic-acid probes for targeting RNA-repeated expansions associated with myotonic dystrophy type 1 and other related neuromuscular and neurodegenerative disorders.

Diazirine-containing tag-free RNA probes for efficient RISC-loading and photoaffinity labeling of microRNA targets.

We designed and synthesized a photo-reactive and tag-free RNA probe for the identification of microRNA (miRNA) targets. To synthesize the RNA probe, we designed a novel nucleoside analog 1-O-[3-ethynyl-5-(3-trifluoromethyl-3H-diazirine-3-yl)]benzyl-ß-d-ribofuranose containing aryl trifluoromethyl diazirine and ethynyl moieties. The RNA probe containing this analog was observed to form crosslinks with complementary RNA by UV irradiation and was rapidly tagged by Cu-catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC). In addition, the tag-free and photo-reactive miRNA-145 probe showed comparable gene silencing activity to that of unmodified miRNA-145. Therefore, miRNA probes containing the nucleoside analog are promising candidates for the identification of target mRNAs of miRNAs.

Determining the fidelity of tRNA aminoacylation via microarrays.

The fidelity of tRNA aminoacylation is a critical determinant for the ultimate accuracy of protein synthesis. Although aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are assumed to consistently maintain high tRNA charging fidelity, recent evidence has demonstrated that the fidelity of the aminoacylation reaction can be actively regulated and liable to change. Accordingly, the ability to conveniently assay the fidelity of tRNA charging is becoming increasingly relevant for studying mistranslation. Here we describe a combined radioactivity and microarray based method that can quantitatively elucidate which individual cognate or noncognate tRNA isoacceptors are charged with amino acid. In this technique, in vitro tRNA charging reactions or in vivo pulse-labeling is performed using a radiolabeled amino acid and tRNA microarrays are used to distinguish tRNA isoacceptors in total tRNA. During the tRNA array hybridization, each tRNA will hybridize to its unique probe and subsequent phosphorimaging of the array can determine which tRNAs were aminoacylated with the radiolabeled amino acid. The method can be used to assess the fidelity of tRNA charging in vivo or in vitro and can be applied to any organism with annotated tRNA genes.

Isolation of bacterial compartments to track movement of protein synthesis factors.

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARSs) comprise an enzyme family that generates and maintains pools of aminoacylated tRNAs, which serve as essential substrates for protein synthesis. Many protein synthesis factors, including tRNA and AARSs also have non-canonical functions. Particularly in mammalian cells, alternate functions of AARSs have been associated with re-distribution in the cell to sites that are removed from translation. Sub-fractionation methods for E. coli were designed and optimized to carefully investigate re-localization of bacterial AARSs and tRNA that might aid in conferring alternate activities. Cell fractionation included isolation of the cytoplasm, periplasm, membrane, outer membrane vesicles, and extracellular media. Specific endogenous proteins and RNAs were probed respectively within each fraction via Western blots using antibodies and by Northern blots with primers to unique regions of the nucleic acid.

Electrophilic activity-based RNA probes reveal a self-alkylating RNA for RNA labeling.

Probes that form covalent bonds with RNA molecules on the basis of their chemical reactivity would advance our ability to study the transcriptome. We developed a set of electrophilic activity-based RNA probes designed to react with unusually nucleophilic RNAs. We used these probes to identify reactive genome-encoded RNAs, resulting in the discovery of a 42-nt catalytic RNA from an archaebacterium that reacts with a 2,3-disubstituted epoxide at N7 of a specific guanosine. Detailed characterization of the catalytic RNA revealed the structural requirements for reactivity. We developed this catalytic RNA into a general tool to selectively conjugate a small molecule to an RNA of interest. This strategy enabled up to 500-fold enrichment of target RNA from total mammalian RNA or from cell lysate. We demonstrated the utility of this approach by selectively capturing proteins in yeast cell lysate that bind the ASH1 mRNA.

2'-Bispyrene-modified 2'-O-methyl RNA probes as useful tools for the detection of RNA: synthesis, fluorescent properties, and duplex stability.

The synthesis and properties two series of new 2'-O-methyl RNA probes, each containing a single insertion of a 2'-bispyrenylmethylphosphorodiamidate derivative of a nucleotide (U, C, A, and G), are described. As demonstrated by UV melting studies, the probes form stable complexes with model RNAs and DNAs. Significant increases (up to 21-fold) in pyrene excimer fluorescence intensity were observed upon binding of most of the probes with complementary RNAs, but not with DNAs. The fluorescence spectra are independent of the nature of the modified nucleotides. The nucleotides on the 5'-side of the modified nucleotide have no effect on the fluorescence spectra, whereas the natures of the two nucleotides on the 3'-side are important: CC, CG, and UC dinucleotide units on the 3'-side of the modified nucleotide provide the maximum increases in excimer fluorescence intensity. This study suggests that these 2'-bispyrene-labeled 2'-O-methyl RNA probes might be useful tools for detection of RNAs.

Dual fluorophore PNA FIT-probes--extremely responsive and bright hybridization probes for the sensitive detection of DNA and RNA.

Fluorescently labeled oligonucleotides are commonly employed as probes to detect specific DNA or RNA sequences in homogeneous solution. Useful probes should experience strong increases in fluorescent emission upon hybridization with the target. We developed dual labeled peptide nucleic acid probes, which signal the presence of complementary DNA or RNA by up to 450-fold enhancements of fluorescence intensity. This enabled the very sensitive detection of a DNA target (40 pM LOD), which was detectable at less than 0.1% of the beacon concentration. In contrast to existing DNA-based molecular beacons, this PNA-based method does not require a stem sequence to enforce dye-dye communication. Rather, the method relies on the energy transfer between a "smart" thiazole orange (TO) nucleotide, which requires formation of the probe-target complex in order to become fluorescent, and terminally appended acceptor dyes. To improve upon fluorescence responsiveness the energy pathways were dissected. Hydrophobic, spectrally mismatched dye combinations allowed significant (99.97%) decreases of background emission in the absence of a target. By contrast, spectral overlap between TO donor emission and acceptor excitation enabled extremely bright FRET signals. This and the large apparent Stokes shift (82 nm) suggests potential applications in the detection of specific RNA targets in biogenic matrices without the need of sample pre-processing prior to detection.

RNA labeling, conjugation and ligation.

Advances in RNA nanotechnology will depend on the ability to manipulate, probe the structure and engineer the function of RNA with high precision. This article reviews current abilities to incorporate site-specific labels or to conjugate other useful molecules to RNA either directly or indirectly through post-synthetic labeling methodologies that have enabled a broader understanding of RNA structure and function. Readily applicable modifications to RNA can range from isotopic labels and fluorescent or other molecular probes to protein, lipid, glycoside or nucleic acid conjugates that can be introduced using combinations of synthetic chemistry, enzymatic incorporation and various conjugation chemistries. These labels, conjugations and ligations to RNA are quintessential for further investigation and applications of RNA as they enable the visualization, structural elucidation, localization, and biodistribution of modified RNA.

Optimized method for the synthesis and purification of adenosine--folic acid conjugates for use as transcription initiators in the preparation of modified RNA.

We present an optimized synthetic strategy for the attachment of molecules to 5'-adenosine monophosphate (AMP), which can then be used to label the 5'-end of RNA by T7 RNA polymerase mediated in vitro transcription. Through the use of a boronate affinity gel, we have developed an efficient route to the preparation of folate conjugated AMP with high yields and purity. Affi-Gel boronate is an affinity resin that selectively binds nucleoside and nucleoside derivatives at pH>7.5 and releases them at pH<6.5. This resin is used to efficiently bind and purify ribonucleotides such as AMP. This allows for the addition of a large excess of reactants and reagents in order to drive the reaction to completion and then allow easy purification without HPLC. The synthesis can be successfully scaled up to produce large quantities of AMP conjugates.

Analysis of messenger RNA expression by in situ hybridization using RNA probes synthesized via in vitro transcription.

The analysis of the spatial patterning of mRNA expression is critically important for assigning functional and physiological significance to a given gene product. Given the tens of thousands of mRNAs in the mammalian genome, a full assessment of individual gene functions would ideally be overlaid upon knowledge of the specific cell types expressing each mRNA. In situ hybridization approaches represent a molecular biological/histological method that can reveal cellular patterns of mRNA expression. Here, we present detailed procedures for the detection of specific mRNAs using radioactive RNA probes in tissue sections followed by autoradiographic detection. These methods allow for the specific and sensitive detection of spatial patterns of mRNA expression, thereby linking mRNA expression with cell type and function. Radioactive detection methods also facilitate semi-quantitative analyses of changes in mRNA gene expression.

In Situ/Subcellular Localization of Arabinogalactan Protein Expression by Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization (FISH).

The arabinogalactan proteins are highly glycosylated and ubiquitous in plants. They are involved in several aspects of plant development and reproduction; however, the mechanics behind their function remains for the most part unclear, as the carbohydrate moiety, covering the most part of the protein core, is poorly characterized at the individual protein level. Traditional immunolocalization using antibodies that recognize the glycosidic moiety of the protein cannot be used to elucidate individual proteins' distribution, function, or interactors. Indirect approaches are typically used to study these proteins, relying on reverse genetic analysis of null mutants or using a reporter fusion system. In the method presented here, we propose the use of RNA probes to assist in the localization of individual AGPs expression/mRNAs in tissues of Arabidopsis by fluorescent in situ hybridization, FISH. An extensive description of all aspects of this technique is provided, from RNA probe synthesis to the hybridization, trying to overcome the lack of specific antibodies for the protein core of AGPs.

A covalently linked phenanthridine-ruthenium(II) complex as a RNA probe.

A phenanthridine derivative covalently linked to a ruthenium complex yields an imaging probe whose fluorescence intensity and lifetime change substantially in the presence of RNA.

PyA-cluster system for the detection and imaging of miRNAs in living cells through double-three-way junction formation.

Herein, we describe an extended version of a fluorescence probe for detecting miRNAs through the novel application of a PyA-cluster system. By testing various (CG)n sequences in the middle of the oligonucleotide strand of the probe, we obtained an optimal sequence that formed a double-three-way-junction structure, with two PyA units positioned close together, in the presence of the target miRNA. This system readily detected the locations of target miRNAs in living cells and allowed visualization of structural changes through variations in the color of the fluorescence.

Synthesis of 5-fluoropyrimidine nucleotides as sensitive NMR probes of RNA structure.

Enzymatic synthesis methods for the fluorinated 5'-triphosphate analogues 5F-UTP and 5F-CTP have been developed to facilitate 19F-labeling of RNAs for biophysical studies. HIV-2 TAR RNAs were synthesized using these analogues by in vitro transcription reactions using T7 RNA polymerase. The uniform incorporation of 5F-U or 5F-C analogues into HIV-2 TAR RNA transcripts does not significantly alter the RNA structure or thermodynamic stability. Fluorine observed homonuclear 19F-19F and heteronuclear 19F-1H NOE experiments providing selective distance information are presented and discussed. The availability of efficient synthesis of 5F-UTP, and for the first time, 5F-CTP, will facilitate the use of 5F-labeled RNAs in structural, ligand binding, and dynamic studies of RNAs using the advantages of 19F-labeling.

Disulfide-induced self-assembled targets: A novel strategy for the label free colorimetric detection of DNAs/RNAs via unmodified gold nanoparticles.

A modified non-cross-linking gold-nanoparticles (Au-NPs) aggregation strategy has been developed for the label free colorimetric detection of DNAs/RNAs based on self-assembling target species in the presence of thiolated probes. Two complementary thiol- modified probes, each of which specifically binds at one half of the target introduced SH groups at both ends of dsDNA. Continuous disulfide bond formation at 3' and 5' terminals of targets leads to the self-assembly of dsDNAs into the sulfur- rich and flexible products with different lengths. These products have a high affinity for the surface of Au-NPs and efficiently protect the surface from salt induced aggregation. To evaluate the assay efficacy, a small part of the citrus tristeza virus (CTV) genome was targeted, leading to a detection limit of about 5 × 10-9 mol.L-1 over a linear ranged from 20 × 10-9 to 10 × 10-7 mol.L-1. This approach also exhibits good reproducibility and recovery levels in the presence of plant total RNA or human plasma total circulating RNA extracts. Self-assembled targets can be then sensitively distinguished from non-assembled or mismatched targets after gel electrophoresis. The disulfide reaction method and integrating self-assembled DNAs/RNAs targets with bare AuNPs as a sensitive indicator provide us a powerful and simple visual detection tool for a wide range of applications.

In situ hybridization of whole-mount embryos.

The ability to visualize the expression of a gene in both time and space is an essential tool of developmental biology. Here, we detail a robust method for in situ hybridization of RNA probes to whole pieces of fixed tissue. This method has been optimized for reliable and sensitive visualization of the spatial patterns of gene expression in mouse embryo tissue.

Expression analysis of murine genes using in situ hybridization with radioactive and nonradioactively labeled RNA probes.

The term in situ hybridization (ISH) refers to all methods allowing the detection of specific DNA (gene loci) or RNA (gene expression products) sequences, using molecular hybridization (base pairing) of labeled nucleic acid probes to target molecules within "intact" cell populations in tissue sections or whole organisms, cultured cells, or chromosomal spreads. For more than two decades, ISH has been one of the main approaches used to characterize gene expression patterns in all laboratory animal models, especially in the context of embryonic development, as well as in human tissue or cell samples for both research and diagnostic purposes. Here, we describe several ISH protocols applied to the analysis of mouse embryos and tissues; this organism has become a reference for mammalian experimental genetics. These protocols use in vitro transcribed RNAs as probes for detection. Radiolabeled probes (using 35S as a radioisotope) allow sensitive ISH on sections of paraffin-embedded material, whereas nonradioactively (digoxigenin) labeled probes can be used both for hybridization of whole embryos (whole-mount ISH) and frozen tissue sections.

Nonradioactive in situ hybridization on frozen sections and whole mounts.

Nonradioactive in situ hybridization offers a unique opportunity to study gene expression on samples with preserved histological information. This method makes it possible to locate not only where in a tissue a particular gene is expressed, but in many cases also in which specific cell type it is active. Here, we describe our current protocols for in situ hybridization on frozen sections or whole mounts of mouse embryos. The protocols included describe synthesis of a digoxigenin-labeled probe, tissue handling, hybridization of the probe to the mRNA expressed in the sample and signal detection.

An in situ hybridization technique to detect low-abundance slug mRNA in adherent cultured cells.

In this chapter, we describe a simple and relatively rapid technique for detecting low-abundance slug mRNA in cultured cells. The procedure uses nonradioactive digoxigenin-labeled RNA probes that are more sensitive than deoxyribonucleic probes and simpler to detect than radioactively labeled probes. Cells are grown in glass chamber slides, fixed in an acidic fixative, dehydrated through ethanol and xylene, permeabilized in pepsin, and post-fixed. Slides are then incubated overnight at 37 degrees C in a buffer containing 50% formamide and 5-10 ng/gL probe. Excess probe is removed by washing at high temperature in low-salt buffer and by treatment with RNase. Probe is detected immunohistochemically with an anti-digoxigenin Fab fragment, using a tyramide amplification kit to enhance signal and Fast Red for visualization. The technique has the advantages of probe stability and sensitivity, hybridization at low temperature, rapidity and sensitivity of probe detection, and the production of permanent specimens.