The First FRET-Based RNA Aptamer NanoKit for Sensitively and Specifically Detecting c‑di-GMP

• Published in: Nano letters 2022-01, Vol.22 (2), p.716-725
• Main Authors: Gao, Ya, Xu, Yurui, Li, Yanyan, Chen, Kerong, Wu, Xiaotong, Liu, Yuhang, Feng, Xuli, Kong, Desheng, Ning, Xinghai
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aptamers, Nucleotide; Bacterial Proteins - genetics; Biofilms; Cyclic GMP - analogs & derivatives; Cyclic GMP - metabolism; Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer
• ISSN: 1530-6984; 1530-6992
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.1c03970

An effective method to identify c-di-GMP may significantly facilitate the exploration of its signaling pathways and bacterial pathogenesis. Herein, we have developed the first conjugated polymer-amplified RNA aptamer NanoKit with a unique core–shell–shell architecture, which combines the advantages of high selectivity of RNA aptamers and high sensitivity of strong fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) effect, for precisely detecting c-di-GMP. We identified that NanoKit could selectively detect c-di-GMP with a low detection limit of 50 pM. Importantly, NanoKit could identify bacterial species and physiological states, such as planktonic, biofilm, and even antibiotic-resistance, on the basis of their different c-di-GMP expression patterns. Particularly, NanoKit could distinguish bacterial infection and inflammation and identify Pseudomonas aeruginosa associated pneumonia and sepsis, thereby guiding treatment choice and monitoring antibiotic effects. Therefore, NanoKit provides a promising strategy to rapidly identify c-di-GMP and its associated diseases and may benefit for pathophoresis management.