A molecular beacon-based DNA switch for reversible pH sensing in vesicles and live cells

Chem Commun (Camb). 2016 Jul 5;52(56):8741-4. doi: 10.1039/c6cc02705a.

Abstract

In this Communication, a molecular beacon-based DNA switch (LMB) is developed as an efficient and reversible pH sensing probe. Remarkably, LMB exhibited reversible structural transition between the closed (molecular beacon) and open (A-motif) states very efficiently in synthetic vesicles and live cells without the need for any transfection agents.

MeSH terms

  • Carbocyanines / analysis
  • Cell Survival
  • DNA / chemistry*
  • Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Molecular Probes / analysis*
  • Molecular Probes / chemistry*

Substances

  • Carbocyanines
  • Molecular Probes
  • cyanine dye 3
  • cyanine dye 5
  • DNA