A light-controlled DNA nanothermometer for temperature sensing in the cellular membrane microenvironment

Abstract

Precise sensing of cellular temperature is one significant yet challenge task for studying miscellaneous biological processes. Herein, we report a light-controlled DNA nanothermometer that allow for real-time thermal sensing in extracellular microscope with high spatiotemporal resolution. The light-controlled DNA nanothermometer three key elements: a thermal-sensitive molecular beacon (MB) labelled with fluorophore Cy5 and Cy3 at its 5' and 3' termini, an inhibitor strand containing two photocleavable linkers (pc-linker), and a biotin modified strand, which could modify this three-strand hybridization complex onto the cell surface. Upon exposing to UV light irradiation, the light-controlled DNA nanothermometer could be remotely activated and enable to perform highly sensitive and practical ratiometric temperature sensing. Meanwhile, the light-controlled DNA nanothermometer could conduct temperature sensing in the extracellular microscope and demonstrates desirable sensitivity, excellent reversibility, and quantitative ability for extracellular temperature measurement. Therefore, this light-controlled DNA can serve as a promising tool for elucidating thermal-related cell physiological and pathological processes.

Keywords: Cell membrane; DNA nanothermometer; Light-controlled; Thermal sensing.