A breakthrough in tracking RNA in real-time opens new avenues for understanding viral behavior and human memory.
Key Points at a Glance
- Scientists developed glowing bioluminescent molecules to tag RNA, enabling real-time tracking.
- The technique could illuminate how RNA viruses propagate within the body.
- Researchers aim to understand RNA’s role in forming and storing memories in the brain.
- The use of firefly-derived luciferase solves longstanding detection challenges.
RNA, the molecule responsible for reading genetic information stored in DNA, is central to cellular functions, adaptation, and growth. However, its precise mechanisms have remained elusive—until now. In a groundbreaking study published in Nature Communications, researchers at the University of California, Irvine (UC Irvine) unveiled a method to tag RNA with bioluminescent molecules, nicknamed “RNA lanterns.” These glowing molecules allow scientists to observe RNA’s activity in real time within living organisms.
“Underlying every cellular action—whether it’s growth, adaptation, or change—is RNA,” said Andrej Lupták, professor of pharmaceutical sciences at UC Irvine and one of the study’s lead authors. “Our tool provides an unprecedented ability to visualize RNA dynamics in real-time.”
RNA plays a pivotal role in how viruses infect and spread within the human body. By tagging viral RNA with RNA lanterns, researchers can monitor the infiltration and replication processes of viruses. This capability could inform the development of targeted antiviral therapies by highlighting weak points in viral behavior.
Beyond virology, the technology promises significant breakthroughs in neuroscience. RNA is thought to influence memory formation by moving within neurons and facilitating connections at synapses. Co-lead author Jennifer Prescher, professor of chemistry at UC Irvine, explained:
“The transport of RNA from the neuron’s cell body to its synapses correlates directly with memory formation. Watching this process in real time could unlock fundamental insights about how memories are created and stored.”
The team’s success lies in harnessing luciferase, the enzyme responsible for the glow of fireflies. Previous attempts to utilize luciferase for RNA tracking were limited by dim fluorescence that camera technologies could not detect. The UC Irvine team overcame this barrier by engineering RNA lanterns with enhanced brightness, making them observable with current imaging tools.
The interdisciplinary approach at UC Irvine played a critical role in the study’s success. Researchers from the Departments of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, and Neurobiology collaborated closely. Notable contributors included Lila Halbers, Kevin Ng, and Kyle Cole, alongside senior collaborators Oswald Steward and Jennifer Prescher.
“Our team’s collaborative spirit and shared expertise made this breakthrough possible,” Prescher noted.
The researchers are now planning to test RNA lanterns in animal models to further explore their potential in treating diseases and understanding genetic mechanisms. Supported by a W. M. Keck Foundation grant, this innovation marks a pivotal step toward advancing biomedicine and unraveling the mysteries of RNA.
