journal article·2026-03Open access

A Modular DNAzyme for Precise Visualization and Intervention of Alternative Splicing Isoforms in Live Cells

Mengru Lin, Jiale Sun, Yuqing Mao, Yuhao Tang, Fuan Wang, Zhihong Liu, Jing Wang

Advanced Science· Volume 13· Issue 18

Abstract

ABSTRACT Alternative splicing is a fundamental mechanism that enhances proteomic diversity and modulates gene function, with its dysregulation being a hallmark of numerous diseases. Despite its biological significance, the real‐time monitoring of spliced mRNA isoforms in living cells remains challenging due to limited specificity and sensitivity in existing methods. Herein, we present a Stringent dUPlex‐activated Error‐Robust (SUPER) platform, an in situ, split‐DNAzyme‐based system enabling precise imaging of mRNA splicing events in live cells. SUPER employs an identical parental DNAzyme reassembled via isoform‐specific intron‐exon junctions, providing high‐fidelity discrimination of closely related splicing variants. Its dual‐site‐activated fluorescence design ensures error‐robust, background‐minimized imaging with spatial colocalization as an intrinsic validation mechanism. Beyond dynamic isoform profiling, the programmable nature of SUPER enables its conversion into a spatially confined catalytic antenna, locally activating therapeutic aptamers without affecting off‐target transcripts. This approach further allows for real‐time tracking of variant integrity and decay by monitoring subtle changes in probe colocalization. Our platform offers a powerful tool for dissecting splicing mechanisms and holds promise for therapeutic intervention in splicing‐associated diseases by enabling isoform‐selective gene regulation while mitigating oligonucleotide toxicity.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques · Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics · RNA Research and Splicing

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

College of Health Science and Engineering Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Chinese Traditional Medicine Hubei University Wuhan Hubei P. R. China

Department of Gastroenterology College of Chemistry and Molecular Sciences Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University Wuhan University Wuhan Hubei P. R. China

Funding

National Natural Science Foundation of China · Natural Science Foundation of Hubei Province

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