A Genetically Encoded RNA Photosensitizer for Targeted Cell Regulation |
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Authors: | Dr Kewei Ren Puspam Keshri Rigumula Wu Zhining Sun Qikun Yu Qian Tian Dr Bin Zhao Yousef Bagheri Yiwen Xie Prof Mingxu You |
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Institution: | Department of Chemistry, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003 USA |
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Abstract: | Genetically encoded RNA devices have emerged for various cellular applications in imaging and biosensing, but their functions as precise regulators in living systems are still limited. Inspired by protein photosensitizers, we propose here a genetically encoded RNA aptamer based photosensitizer (GRAP). Upon illumination, the RNA photosensitizer can controllably generate reactive oxygen species for targeted cell regulation. The GRAP system can be selectively activated by endogenous stimuli and light of different wavelengths. Compared with their protein analogues, GRAP is highly programmable and exhibits reduced off-target effects. These results indicate that GRAP enables efficient noninvasive target cell ablation with high temporal and spatial precision. This new RNA regulator system will be widely used for optogenetics, targeted cell ablation, subcellular manipulation, and imaging. |
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Keywords: | aptamers imaging agents photosensitizers reactive oxygen species RNA |
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