title: Quantum-dot-based nanosensor for RRE IIB RNA-Rev peptide interaction assay.
abstract: Rev is an important HIV-1 regulatory protein that binds the Rev responsive element (RRE) within the env gene of HIV-1 RNA genome; the binding of Rev to RRE is essential for the expression of the structural genes, gag-pol and env, and for HIV replication. Here we report a quantum-dot (QD)-based nanosensor that can be used in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) assays of RRE IIB RNA-Rev peptide interactions. In comparison with conventional fluorescent dye-based methods, this QD-based nanosensor offers the distinct advantages of not inhibiting the Rev-RRE interaction, high sensitivity, improved accuracy, and simultaneous FRET-related two-parameter detection. This QD-based nanosensor provides a new approach to study the effects of inhibitors upon Rev-RRE interaction, and it may have a wide applicability in the development of new drugs against HIV-1 infection.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, York College and The Graduate Center, The City University of New York, Jamaica, New York 11451, USA.
authors.forename: Chun-yang
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Lawrence W
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D001483:Base Sequence; D015374:Biosensing Techniques; D031541:Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer; D036103:Nanotechnology; D010455:Peptides / Q000737:chemistry*; D045663:Quantum Dots; D012313:RNA / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D010455:Peptides; C503402:Rev peptide; D012313:RNA