Cell surface-anchored fluorescent aptamer sensor enables imaging of chemical transmitter dynamics

J Am Chem Soc. 2012 Jun 13;134(23):9561-4. doi: 10.1021/ja302551p. Epub 2012 Jun 4.

Abstract

A fluorescent aptamer sensor was applied to the analysis of extracellular chemical transmitter dynamics. We utilized a tocopherol-labeled aptamer, which allowed the direct anchoring of the fluorescent aptamer on the cell surface while retaining its performance as a fluorescent sensor. The fast-responsive fluorescent DNA aptamer sensor, which targets adenine compounds, was anchored on the surface of brain astrocytes. Fluorescence imaging of the aptamer-anchored astrocytes enabled the real-time monitoring of release of adenine compounds as a gliotransmitter, which was synchronized with calcium wave propagation in neighboring cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adenine / analysis*
  • Adenine / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Aptamers, Nucleotide / chemistry*
  • Astrocytes / cytology*
  • Astrocytes / metabolism
  • Biosensing Techniques / methods*
  • Brain / cytology
  • Calcium Signaling
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence / methods
  • Models, Molecular
  • Rats
  • Tocopherols / chemistry*

Substances

  • Aptamers, Nucleotide
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Adenine
  • Tocopherols