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SHIBATA Aya
Title

Assistant Professor
Department Department of Chemistry and Biomolecular Science
Course Biomolecular Science Course

Research fields

We are developing the probe which the activity changes from on "OFF state" to "ON state", when an intracellular specific molecule exists. Specifically, we are challenging the genetic detection in the live cells using the chemical reaction probes. This system consists of two DNA probe, and each probe has the functional molecule at 5'- or 3'-terminal. Only when the chemical reaction probes combine with target RNA, the reaction occurs between two functional groups, and as a result, the fluorescence signals are generated. The recent research has shown that RNA has various functions within the cells. However, the reports of RNA imaging within the live cells are a few. The chemical reaction probe is a genetic detection method which needs neither enzyme nor the temperature change. In addition, it is possible to amplify a signal by turning a reaction cycle which used target RNA as a catalyst. Therefore, it is suitable for detecting a small amount of RNA in the living cell. We would like to develop a practical chemical reaction probe within the living cells.

Fig. 1 The genetic detection probe based on a nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction

Research Overview

Research Keywords

Organic chemistry

Chemical biology

Medicinal chemistry

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