title: RNA labeling, conjugation and ligation.
abstract: Advances in RNA nanotechnology will depend on the ability to manipulate, probe the structure and engineer the function of RNA with high precision. This article reviews current abilities to incorporate site-specific labels or to conjugate other useful molecules to RNA either directly or indirectly through post-synthetic labeling methodologies that have enabled a broader understanding of RNA structure and function. Readily applicable modifications to RNA can range from isotopic labels and fluorescent or other molecular probes to protein, lipid, glycoside or nucleic acid conjugates that can be introduced using combinations of synthetic chemistry, enzymatic incorporation and various conjugation chemistries. These labels, conjugations and ligations to RNA are quintessential for further investigation and applications of RNA as they enable the visualization, structural elucidation, localization, and biodistribution of modified RNA.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
authors.forename: Eduardo
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Paredes
authors.forename: Molly
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.forename: Subha R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Das
mesh_terms: D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases / Q000737:chemistry; D007202:Indicators and Reagents / Q000737:chemistry; D011116:Polynucleotide 5'-Hydroxyl-Kinase / Q000737:chemistry; D011062:Polynucleotide Adenylyltransferase / Q000737:chemistry; D011118:Polynucleotide Ligases / Q000737:chemistry; D012313:RNA / Q000737:chemistry*; D015347:RNA Probes / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000138:chemical synthesis*
chemical_list: D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D015347:RNA Probes; D012313:RNA; D011116:Polynucleotide 5'-Hydroxyl-Kinase; D011062:Polynucleotide Adenylyltransferase; D012321:DNA-Directed RNA Polymerases; D011118:Polynucleotide Ligases