Open AccessBioorthogonal chemistry-based RNA labeling technologies: evolution and current state
Author(s) -
Jerrin Thomas George,
Seergazhi G. Srivatsan
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
chemical communications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.837
H-Index - 333
eISSN - 1364-548X
pISSN - 1359-7345
DOI - 10.1039/d0cc05228k
Subject(s) - bioorthogonal chemistry , current (fluid) , chemistry , rna , state (computer science) , combinatorial chemistry , nanotechnology , computational biology , biochemistry , computer science , click chemistry , biology , materials science , physics , programming language , gene , thermodynamics
To understand the structure and ensuing function of RNA in various cellular processes, researchers greatly rely on traditional as well as contemporary labeling technologies to devise efficient biochemical and biophysical platforms. In this context, bioorthogonal chemistry based on chemoselective reactions that work under biologically benign conditions has emerged as a state-of-the-art labeling technology for functionalizing biopolymers. Implementation of this technology on sugar, protein, lipid and DNA is fairly well established. However, its use in labeling RNA has posed challenges due to the fragile nature of RNA. In this feature article, we provide an account of bioorthogonal chemistry-based RNA labeling techniques developed in our lab along with a detailed discussion on other technologies put forward recently. In particular, we focus on the development and applications of covalent methods to label RNA by transcription and posttranscription chemo-enzymatic approaches. It is expected that existing as well as new bioorthogonal functionalization methods will immensely advance our understanding of RNA and support the development of RNA-based diagnostic and therapeutic tools.