Photocaged DNAzymes as a general method for sensing metal ions in living cells.

ABSTRACT: DNAzymes, which are sequences of DNA with catalytic activity, have been demonstrated as a potential platform for sensing a wide range of metal ions. Despite their significant promise, cellular sensing using DNAzymes has however been difficult, mainly because of the "always-on" mode of first-generation DNAzyme sensors. To overcome this limitation, a photoactivatable (or photocaged) DNAzyme was designed and synthesized, and its application in sensing Zn(II) in living cells was demonstrated. In this design, the adenosine ribonucleotide at the scissile position of the 8-17 DNAzyme was replaced by 2'-O-nitrobenzyl adenosine, rendering the DNAzyme inactive and thus allowing its delivery into cells intact, protected from nonspecific degradation within cells. Irradiation at 365 nm restored DNAzyme

SUBMITTER: Hwang K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4297208 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature