Development of a Universal RNA Beacon for Exogenous Gene Detection

Abstract

Abstract Stem cell therapy requires a nontoxic and high-throughput method to achieve a pure cell population to prevent teratomas that can occur if even one cell in the implant has not been transformed. A promising method to detect and separate cells expressing a particular gene is RNA beacon technology. However, developing a successful, specific beacon to a particular transfected gene can take months to develop and in some cases is impossible. Here, we report on an off-the-shelf universal beacon that decreases the time and cost of applying beacon technology to select any living cell population transfected with an exogenous gene. Significance Stem cell therapy requires pure cell populations. RNA beacons have a high potential to select and separate differentiated cells from undifferentiated cells. However, development of a beacon for a specific gene can be difficult and time-consuming. An RNA tag was developed that can be attached to any gene without affecting the protein product. The tagged gene is detected by an off-the-shelf RNA beacon that can be used for cell selection.