Key Takeaways
- Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a biosensor to visualize RNA in live plant cells, allowing real-time monitoring of gene activity.
- This innovative technology can enhance crop resilience and provide early detection of diseases and pests.
- The biosensor represents a significant advancement in plant biotechnology, building on a legacy of research that dates back to the 1950s.
New Biosensor Revolutionizes Plant RNA Detection
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have introduced a groundbreaking method for detecting ribonucleic acid (RNA) within plant cells. This innovative biosensor technology generates a visible fluorescent signal, enabling scientists to track RNA and gene expression changes in real-time. The tool aims to facilitate the development of more resilient bioenergy and food crops while also detecting undesired plant modifications and pathogens.
RNA serves as a crucial signaling molecule in cells, playing a vital role in interpreting DNA code to produce necessary proteins for plant growth and response to stressors. Traditional methods of analyzing RNA involve destructive techniques, requiring lengthy processing and analysis. The new biosensor eliminates these drawbacks and offers continuous monitoring of RNA levels in live plants.
Xiaohan Yang, the project lead at ORNL, emphasized that this device provides instant insights into how plant cells adjust at a molecular level in response to environmental changes like drought or disease. This advancement accelerates the verification of gene expression in genetically modified plants and improves the detection of plant responses related to stress or disease.
The biosensor operates by utilizing a molecular splicing technique. It splits a ribozyme—an RNA molecule capable of catalyzing RNA splicing—into two inactive segments. The researchers attach these pieces to specific guide RNA sequences that target particular RNA within the plant cell. When the guide RNA binds to its target, the ribozyme pieces come together, becoming active and assembling a reporter protein that emits a fluorescent signal. This fluorescence indicates the RNA’s location and abundance in the plant.
Initial trials have demonstrated the biosensor’s efficacy, including its ability to detect a virus in infected tobacco plants. Furthermore, it has been successfully used in Arabidopsis, revealing the dynamics of gene expression within plant cells across different tissues, such as leaves, roots, flowers, and stems.
Paul Abraham, co-author of the study and a bioanalytical chemist, noted the significance of observing when and where a plant initiates a molecular reprogramming in response to various conditions. This capability allows for precise measurements at the cellular level, contributing to a deeper understanding of metabolic pathways in plants.
The biosensor offers substantial advancements in plant science, benefiting both fundamental research and practical applications. It enhances functional genomics and serves as a tool for early detection of stress responses and pathogens—often before any visible plant changes occur.
ORNL scientists have a rich history of breakthroughs in plant transformation, including the discovery of drought-tolerant genes and the development of biosensors for CRISPR gene editing. These efforts aim to innovate domestic bio-based fuels, chemicals, and materials, continuing ORNL’s long-standing commitment to biological and genetic research.
Paul Langan, associate laboratory director at ORNL, highlighted that the discovery of messenger RNA originated with ORNL insights in the 1950s. He stated that this new biosensing method advanced by ORNL scientists can track RNA modifications, thereby supporting the development of improved crops for energy and food security.
The project involved contributions from several other ORNL scientists and received support from both the SEED SFA and the Center for Bioenergy Innovation, with funding from the Department of Energy’s Office of Science Biological and Environmental Research program.
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