Biophotonics: Imaging the temporal and spatial regulation of microRNA in living cells

本提案的总体目标是开发一种分子光学探针，可用于对单个活细胞中的microRNAs(MiRNAs)表达水平进行定量的空间和时间监测。将构建一种新的集成光学探测器，该探测器将能够同时检测荧光团报告器和猝灭剂。除了这个分子信标结构外，另一个光学探头将附着在这个结构上，它将携带稳定的染料，并将作为参考点发挥作用，保持不熄灭。这将有助于使用集成探针在空间和时间上对miRNAs进行定量测量。

0616031TsourkasThe overall goal of this proposal is to develop a molecular optical probe that can be used for quantitative spatial and temporal monitoring of MicroRNAs (miRNAs) expression levels in single living cell. A novel integrated optical probe will be constructed that will enable detection of a fluorophore reporter and a quencher at the other. In addition to this Molecular Beacon structure, another optical probe will be attached to this structure that will carry a stable dye and will function as a reference point and remains unquenched. This will facilitate the use of the integrated probe for quantitative measurements of miRNAs in both space and time.