A Genetically Encoded RNA Photosensitizer for Targeted Cell Regulation.

Genetically encoded RNA devices have emerged for various cellular applications in imaging and bio-sensing, but their functions as precise regulators in living systems are still limited. Inspired by protein photosensitizers, we propose here a G enetically encoded R NA A ptamer-based P hotosensitizer (GRAP). Upon illumination, the RNA photosensitizer can controllably generate reactive oxygen species for targeted cell regulation. The GRAP system can be selectively activated by endogenous stimuli and light of different wavelengths. Compared with their protein analogs, GRAP is highly programmable and exhibit reduced off-target effect. Our results indicate that GRAP enables efficient noninvasive target cell ablation with high temporal and spatial precision. We believe this new RNA regulator system will be widely used for optogenetics, targeted cell ablation, subcellular manipulation, and advanced imaging.