A genetically encoded Mango II-based system with increased brightness and selectivity for imaging RNAs in live cells

Abstract

Few genetically encoded systems based on aptamer–dye pairs meet all the requirements of bioimaging in terms of brightness, contrast, etc., thus necessitating their optimization. Here, we report a new biotin-free fluorogenic ligand that demonstrates increased selectivity for Mango II over other DNA/RNA structures in tube and brightness in complex with genetically encoded aptamer-labeled RNA in live cells compared to the known dye.