An RNA origami robot that traps and releases a fluorescent aptamer

• DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk1250
• Publication Date: 2024-03-20T17:59:03Z
• Authors: Néstor Sampedro V...; Ewan K. S. McRae; Cody Geary; Ebbe S. Andersen
• Keywords: Aptamer; Riboswitch

RNA nanotechnology aims to use as a programmable material create self-assembling nanodevices for application in medicine and synthetic biology. The main challenge is develop advanced robotic devices that both sense, compute, actuate obtain enhanced control over molecular processes. Here, we the origami method prototype an device, named "Traptamer," mechanically traps fluorescent aptamer, iSpinach. Traptamer shown sense two key strands, acts Boolean AND gate, reversibly controls fluorescence of iSpinach aptamer. Cryo-electron microscopy closed structure at 5.45-angstrom resolution reveals mechanical mode distortion motif. Our study suggests general approach distorting motifs path forward build sophisticated machines through sensing, computing, actuation modules can be used precisely functionalities cellular systems.