A novel fluorescent probe with high photostability for imaging distribution of RNA in living cells and tissues

Abstract

RNA has always been valued by scientists in the field of biomedicine, especially biochemistry. Exploring the action and distribution of RNA in the biological environment can help us to gain a deeper understanding of organisms. Although several RNA probes have been developed over the years, it is still necessary to develop more robust RNA probes. Herein, we firstly applied bithiophene to design the novel RNA probe BT-PHIT by modifying 2,2′-bithiophene. The new probe can specifically recognize endogenous RNA in cells and tissues to produce a clear fluorescent image. Interestingly, BT-PHIT has better photostability and longer tissues imaging depths than traditional RNA probes. Additionally, the robust probe has a large stokes shift and fine membrane permeability.