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RNA imaging

A tale of two G-quadruplexes

In contrast to proteins, no intrinsically fluorescent RNA is known to exist in nature. In this issue, a new, red-shifted aptamer–fluorophore complex for RNA imaging that has enhanced photostability is described. The crystal structure of this complex reveals a novel form of RNA small-molecule recognition.

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Figure 1: G-quadruplexes are overrepresented, but not required, in known fluorescent aptamer structures.

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Correspondence to Aaron E Engelhart.

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The author declares no competing financial interests.

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Engelhart, A. A tale of two G-quadruplexes. Nat Chem Biol 13, 1140–1141 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/nchembio.2492

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