Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Moderna, Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Biophys J. 2021 Jul 20;120(14):2766-2770. doi: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.03.012. Epub 2021 Mar 25.
Understanding the structure of messenger RNA (mRNA) lipid nanoparticles, and specifically the microenvironment of the mRNA molecules within these entities, is fundamental to advancing their biomedical potential. Here, we show that a permeating cationic dye, thionine, can serve as a cryogenic electron microscopy contrasting agent by binding selectively to encapsulated mRNA without disturbing lipid nanoparticle morphology. Cryo-electron microscopy images identify the mRNA location, revealing that mRNA may exist within solvent-filled cavities or may be substantially lipid associated.
了解信使 RNA（mRNA）脂质纳米颗粒的结构，特别是这些实体中 mRNA 分子的微环境，对于推进其生物医学潜力至关重要。在这里，我们表明，渗透阳离子染料硫堇可以通过选择性地结合封装的 mRNA 而不干扰脂质纳米颗粒形态来用作低温电子显微镜对比剂。低温电子显微镜图像确定了 mRNA 的位置，表明 mRNA 可能存在于充满溶剂的腔室中，或者可能与脂质密切相关。
