Methods of Imaging and Tracking Nucleic Acids in Cells

Abstract

This disclosure relates to methods of imaging and tracking RNA or other nucleic acids in cells. In certain embodiments, this disclosure relates to methods of labeling intracellular nucleic acids by expressing in the cell RNA containing an aptamer sequence that specifically binds a label, e.g., fluorescent label, or placing in the cell nucleic acids containing an aptamer sequence that specifically binds a label, wherein the label comprises a carbene forming group, such as a diazirine group, under conditions such that the label specifically binds the aptamer sequence forming a complex; and exposing the complex to electromagnetic radiation sufficient for carbene formation resulting in a covalent bond to the aptamer sequence and the label.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.