ABSTRACT
Accurately imaging endogenous or nonengineered RNA in live cells is not an easy task. Ideally, a probe and imaging strategy will have the following properties: (1) functional probes will be delivered to the desired cellular compartment, (2) they will achieve the correct level of a±nity to e±ciently bind target RNA but not inhibit their function, (3) be sensitive enough (single RNA sensitive) to allow for the accurate detection of the cellular RNA population, and (4) for cellular studies, allow for the tracking of RNA through biogenesis, transport, translation, and degradation pathways. In this chapter, the capabilities of current nucleic-acid-based nanoprobes and strategies used to image native RNA in cellular systems are discussed and analyzed, and probe and strategy recommendations are given. —e chapter is concluded by addressing topics for future research, all in the hope of achieving the ideal RNA imaging probe and strategy.
