Lighting up RNA team

Aiming Ren: The biggest challenge of this project lies in enhancing the performance of the fluorescent aptamers and expanding their impactful applications.

Xiaochen Xu: RNAs play critical roles within diverse biological systems. RNA-based fluorogenic aptamers can monitor the spatiotemporal localisation of RNA molecules and exhibit powerful utilization potentiality. The two new multi-colour fluorogenic aptamers, Pepper and Clivia, can break through the limitation, such as high fluorescence background, the misfolding scaffolds. The identification and structural research provide a robust foundation for the enhanced and more efficient utilization.

Qianqian Song: Fluorogenic RNA aptamer is one promising RNA labelling tool. However, the existing RNA imaging tools has various limitations, such as the strong fluorescence background of unbound fluorophores, misfold of aptamer, weak cell brightness. We identified two bright multi-colour fluorogenic aptamer, Pepper and Clivia, which allow simple and robust imaging of diverse RNA species in live cells with minimal perturbation of the target RNA’s transcription, localisation, and translation.

Xiaochen Xu：These new multi-colour fluorogenic aptamers significantly enhances the recognition sensitivity of fluorophores both in vitro and in vivo, shedding light on future efficient applications in various biomedical and research contexts.  Genetically encoded sensors based on fluorogenic RNA have been engineered to detect various essential metabolites in living systems.  The utilisation of these new fluorogenic RNAs may be extended from tagging and imaging the expression, location and transport of RNAs in living cells to detecting RNA-protein interactions and various essential metabolites in living systems in the future.

Aiming Ren: Over the last decade, the rapid advancement of diverse fluorogenic aptamer systems has greatly broadened the scope of RNA tools application in RNA research. As this field progresses, there is a growing need for fluorogenic aptamers with heightened fluorophore binding affinity, brightness, and photostability, alongside reduced background fluorescence and improved in vivo folding efficiency. These enhancements are vital for the creation of more effective RNA imaging tools in RNA biology and RNA-related drug development.

Qianqian Song:Chemical sciences are complex and full of challenges, and it is difficult for one person or one team to complete all aspects of a project. Collaboration can bring together talents with multiple professional backgrounds and skills, promote the communication of knowledge between various fields, and improve the depth of research.

Qianqian Song: Chemical sciences continue to drive innovation and progress in addressing global challenges, promoting sustainability, improving human health, and enhancing the quality of life for people around the world.

Xiaochen Xu: If you are considering a career in the chemical sciences, you should cultivate your curiosity and passion for chemistry, explore different areas of chemistry, engage in hands-on experiments, and seek out mentors or professionals in the field to learn about their experiences and gain insights into various career paths. Stay updated with the latest advancements and technologies in the field, and be prepared for challenges and setbacks.