Triggered molecular geometry based bioimaging probes

摘要

The present embodiments relate to engineering imaging probes based on “triggered molecular geometry.” Upon detection of a molecular signal, nucleic acid hairpin monomers assemble an imageable molecular shape with prescribed geometry. In some embodiments the prescribed shape can be imaged directly. In some embodiments, the prescribed shape can serve as a spatial organizer or amplification scheme for other imaging entities, such as fluorophore and fluorescent proteins.

主权项

1. An imaging probe comprising:
a collection of metastable hairpin monomers comprising a first hairpin monomer, a second hairpin monomer, and a third hairpin monomer, wherein the collection of metastable hairpin monomers autonomously self-assembles into a prescribed shape upon detection of a target molecule, wherein the prescribed shape arranges at least a first detectable marker, a second detectable marker different from the first detectable marker, and a third detectable marker different from the first and second detectable markers into a prescribed three-dimensional arrangement, wherein the prescribed shape arranges the first detectable marker, second detectable marker, and third detectable marker in a prescribed order, and wherein the prescribed three-dimensional arrangement provides a specific signature.