Detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA Using a DNA Aptamer Mimic of Green Fluorescent Protein.

ABSTRACT: RNA detection is important in diverse diagnostic and analytical applications. RNAs can be rapidly detected using molecular beacons, which fluoresce upon hybridizing to a target RNA but require oligonucleotides with complex fluorescent dye and quencher conjugations. Here, we describe a simplified method for rapid fluorescence detection of a target RNA using simple unmodified DNA oligonucleotides. To detect RNA, we developed Lettuce, a fluorogenic DNA aptamer that binds and activates the fluorescence of DFHBI-1T, an otherwise nonfluorescent molecule that resembles the chromophore found in green fluorescent protein. Lettuce was selected from a randomized DNA library based on binding to DFHBI-agarose. We further show that Lettuce can be split into two separate oligonucleotide components, which

SUBMITTER: VarnBuhler BS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9780036 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature