Real-time monitoring of RNA splicing in living cells moves step closer with novel fluorescent probe
Thursday, May 24, 2012 - 09:50
in Biology & Nature
Numerous biological processes depend on molecules called lariat RNAs (LaRNAs). These lasso-shaped structures form in the cell during RNA splicing. During this process, transcribed RNA strands convert to messenger RNA before undergoing translation into proteins. A way to quickly and efficiently characterize these molecules in living cells is now available, thanks to a method developed by a research team led by Hiroshi Abe of the RIKEN Advanced Science Institute, Wako. The method identifies LaRNAs using molecular pairs called reduction-triggered fluorescent (REFT) probes. When in close proximity to LaRNAs, these probes react and generate a fluorescent signal.