| Affiliation: | 1. State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023 China These authors contributed equally to this work.;2. State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210023 China |
| Abstract: | Single-cell epigenetics is envisioned to decipher manifold epigenetic phenomena and to contribute to our accurate knowledge about basic epigenetic mechanisms. Engineered nanopipette technology has gained momentum in single-cell studies; however, solutions to epigenetic questions remain unachieved. This study addresses the challenge by exploring N6-methyladenine (m6A)-bearing deoxyribozyme (DNAzyme) confined within a nanopipette for profiling a representative m6A-modifying enzyme, fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO). Electroosmotic intracellular extraction of FTO could remove the m6A and cause DNAzyme cleavage, leading to the altered ionic current signal. Because the cleavage can release a DNA sequence, we simultaneously program it as an antisense strand against FTO-mRNA, intracellular injection of which has been shown to induce early stage apoptosis. This nanotool thus features the dual functions of studying single-cell epigenetics and programmable gene regulation. |
