A Small-Molecule Approach Enables RNA Aptamers to Function as Sensors for Reactive Inorganic Targets.

ABSTRACT: Fluorescent light-up aptamer (FLAP) systems are promising (bio)sensing platforms that are genetically encodable. However, FLAP-mediated detection of each distinct target necessitates either in vitro selection or engineering of nucleic acid sequences. Furthermore, an aptamer that binds an inorganic target or a chemical species with a short lifetime is challenging to realize. Here, we describe a small-molecule approach that makes it possible for a single FLAP system to detect chemically unique, non-fluorogenic, and reactive inorganics. We developed functionalized pre-ligands of RNA aptamers that bind benzylidene imidazolinones (Baby Spinach, Broccolli, Squash). Reactive inorganics, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S/HS^-) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), can specif

SUBMITTER: Aggarwal T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11914935 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature