核酸荧光探针在单细胞成像中的应用研究

Fluorescent Bioprobe Based on Nucleic Acid for Live Cell Imaging

单细胞成像研究技术具有观测定位精准、独特的时间和空间分辨率高等特点,成为分子水平上准确、实时、原位监测细胞内生物活性物质信号变化及观测细胞形态的重要手段。在进行单细胞成像研究时,细胞内大多数生物活性物质自身无法产生易被仪器或肉眼所捕获的信号,通常需要使用生物探针进入细胞内特异性识别生物活性物质。生物探针与特定的生物活性物质结合,形成稳定的复合物,产生相应信号变化。通过监测生物探针信号变化,实现对细胞内生物活性物质准确、实时、原位监测。生物探针的响应信号有多种,其中荧光信号不仅具有直观、操作简单、选择性好、灵敏度高、无需参比、不受电磁场的影响、可远程实时在线自动监测等特性,还具备对细胞进行静态观察、对细胞内分子动力学进行动态监测、对亚细胞结构进行定位和对蛋白质分子的相互作用进行研究等优点,在细胞成像技术研究中具有重要地位。本文综述了近五年来核酸荧光探针在单细胞成像中的应用研究进展,讨论了存在的问题,对发展方向进行了展望。

Live cell imaging is an essential tool for detecting intracellular biomolecules,particularly those that are key targets in disease processes and monitoring their functions in live cells.Usually,the intracellular biomolecules cannot make out signal change that could be detected by instrument or naked eye directly.Thus,target identification and validation with high-affinity probes is one of the key prerequisites for interrogation of specific molecular targets in living systems.There are many kinds of bioprobes.Among them,fluorescent bioprobes based on nucleic acids are essential tools due to their high sensitivity,fast response,simplicity,real-time,on-site and non-invasive visualization of biological molecules and processes in live cells.They not only provide valuable insight in understanding physiological alterations in pathological settings but also serve as useful tools for the development of personalized medicine and targeted therapies.This review summarizes the progress of fluorescent bioprobes based on nucleic acids for live cell imaging in recent 5 years.