Riboswitches are naturally evolved RNA structures that bind specific metabolites and regulate gene expression downstream of that recognition event. Different riboswitch classes are characterized by the structure of the metabolite-sensing domain, also called the aptamer domain, and by the identity of the small molecule ligand. We have found that riboswitch aptamers serve as privileged RNA scaffolds that are readily adapted for new sensing functions in vivo. Here I will present recent advances in the development of riboswitch-based fluorescent biosensors for live cell imaging of different metabolite classes, including cyclic dinucleotide second messengers and important enzyme cofactors.

Riboswitch-based fluorescent biosensors for in vivo metabolite imaging

248th National Meeting (2014)

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