Development of a genetically encodable FRET system using fluorescent RNA aptamers

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02435-x
• Publication Date: 2017-12-27T12:02:09Z
• Authors: Mette D. E. Jepsen; Steffen M. Sparvath; Thorbjørn B. Nielsen; Ane H. Langvad; Guido Grossi; Kurt V. Gothelf; Ebbe S. Andersen
• Keywords: Aptamer

Fluorescent RNA aptamers are useful as markers for tracking molecules inside cells and creating biosensor devices. Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) based on fluorescent proteins has been used to detect conformational changes, however, such FRET devices have not yet produced using aptamers. Here we develop an aptamer-based (apta-FRET) system single-stranded origami scaffolds. To obtain FRET, the Spinach Mango placed in close proximity scaffolds a new fluorophore is synthesized increase spectral overlap. that respond changes developed, finally, apta-FRET constructs expressed E. coli where observed, demonstrating genetically encodable nanostructures fold correctly bacteria. We anticipate could applications ratiometric sensors real-time studies cell synthetic biology.