Synthetic biological approaches for RNA labelling and imaging: design principles and future opportunities

Steven Pauff; Jamie M Withers; Iain Jw McKean; Simon P Mackay; Glenn A Burley

doi:10.1016/j.copbio.2017.04.003

Synthetic biological approaches for RNA labelling and imaging: design principles and future opportunities

Curr Opin Biotechnol. 2017 Dec:48:153-158. doi: 10.1016/j.copbio.2017.04.003. Epub 2017 May 8.

Authors

Steven Pauff¹, Jamie M Withers¹, Iain Jw McKean¹, Simon P Mackay², Glenn A Burley³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, United Kingdom.
² Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Science, University of Strathclyde, 161 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G4 0RE, United Kingdom.
³ Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, University of Strathclyde, Thomas Graham Building, 295 Cathedral Street, Glasgow G1 1XL, United Kingdom. Electronic address: glenn.burley@strath.ac.uk.

PMID: 28494275
DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2017.04.003

Abstract

RNA is the most mercurial of all biomacromolecules. In contrast to DNA, where the predominant role is the storage of genetic information, the biological role of RNA varies; ranging from a template-based intermediary in gene expression to playing a direct role in catalysis. Their high turnover and metabolic lability makes the detection of specific sequences particularly challenging. This review describes the latest synthetic biological developments that enable the direct imaging of RNA both in vitro and in their native cellular environment.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Molecular Imaging / methods*
RNA / chemistry*
RNA / genetics
RNA / metabolism*
Staining and Labeling / methods*
Synthetic Biology / methods*

Substances

RNA