Advances in Quantitative FRET-Based Methods for Studying Nucleic Acids

Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) is a powerful tool for monitoring molecular distances and interactions at the nanoscale level. The strong dependence of transfer efficiency on probe separation makes FRET perfectly suited for on/off experiments. To use FRET to obtain quantitative distances and three-dimensional structures, however, is more challenging. This review summarises recent studies and technological advances that have improved FRET as a quantitative molecular ruler in nucleic acid systems, both at the ensemble and at the single-molecule levels.