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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2025.07.10.664110

Light-up nanostructures with allosteric DNA mimics of GFP

Zhang, T.·Qian, X.·Zhang, J.·Cui, H.·Bai, T.·Wang, W.·Wang, Y.·Gao, Z.·Han, D.·Zeng, W.·Wei, B.
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Abstract

In this study, we present a systematic approach for the rational design of synthetic allosteric DNA aptamers. This methodology enables precise control over the allosteric ON-OFF transition in fluorescent DNA aptamers, allowing for the engineering of aptamers with highly tunable fluorescent properties. When combined with toehold-mediated strand displacement, we have developed a series of allosteric aptamers in which the target sequence functions as a specific allosteric modulator. Furthermore, these aptamers have been applied in synthetic DNA computing and in the construction of responsive nanostructures that light up upon activation.

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Zhang, T., Qian, X., Zhang, J., Cui, H., Bai, T., Wang, W., Wang, Y., Gao, Z., Han, D., Zeng, W., Wei, B.. 2025-07-10. Light-up nanostructures with allosteric DNA mimics of GFP. https://doi.org/10.1101/2025.07.10.664110

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