Spinach RNA aptamer detects lead(ii) with high selectivity

Abstract

Spinach RNA aptamer contains a G-quadruplex motif that serves as a platform for binding and fluorescence activation of a GFP-like fluorophore. Here we show that Pb²⁺ induces formation of Spinach's G-quadruplex and activates fluorescence with high selectivity and sensitivity. This device establishes the first example of an RNA-based sensor that provides a simple and inexpensive tool for Pb²⁺ detection.