Detecting RNA and DNA with Templated Chemical Reactions

Nucleic Acid-programmed Assemblies: Translating Instruction into Function in Chemical Biology

“…Cellular nucleic acids can be sensed and imaged with reactions leading to fluorescent signal changes. [70][71][72] While molecular beacons and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) have successfully sensed cellular nucleic acids in a number of studies, [73,74] templated reactions have potential for greater sensitivity by signal amplification and can diminish false positives because nonspecific interactions do not afford reaction. We became interested in the templated Staudinger reaction in light of its compatibility with cellular chemistry and the robustness of azides in biological settings (Fig.…”

Development of Photochemical DNA/RNA Manipulation Toward Its Application for Nanotechnology

“…In recent years, template-directed DNA ligation has developed as a useful tool with applications such as nucleic acid detection [2], sequence-specific small-molecule synthesis [3], and nano-architecture construction [4]. While many methods for template-directed chemical ligation of DNA via a native phosphodiester bond or non-native linkages have been demonstrated, only a few exist for photoinduced non-enzymatic chemical ligation.…”

Using an emissive uridine analogue for assembling fluorescent HIV-1 TAR constructs

“…In particular, fluorescent nucleoside analogues that are isosteric to natural nucleobases and are sensitive to changes in their microenvironment have found wide applications in biophysics. [17][18][19][20][21][22][23] Indeed, labeling TAR with 2-aminopurine, an emissive adenosine isoster, has recently been utilized to follow up on ligand binding using steady-state emission spectroscopy. 24,25 Similarly, a TAR construct containing benzo[g]quinazoline-2,4(1H,3H)-dione, a large U analogue, displayed changes in fluorescence upon Tat binding when incorporated in the U-rich bulge.…”