A Broccoli aptamer chimera yields a fluorescent K+ sensor spanning physiological concentrations

The RNA aptamer Broccoli accepts 2 ' fluorinated (2 ' F) pyrimidine nucleotide incorporation without perturbation of structure or fluorescence in the presence of potassium and DFHBI. However, the modification decreases Broccoli's apparent affinity for K+ >30-fold. A chimera of Broccoli RNAs with mixed chemistries displays linear fluorescent gain spanning physiological K+ concentrations, yielding an effective RNA-based fluorescent K+ sensor.

Automated summary

By creating a chimera of Broccoli RNAs with mixed chemistries, it is possible to develop an effective RNA-based fluorescent K+ sensor that maintains structure and fluorescence properties without interference, providing linear fluorescent gain across physiological K+ concentrations.