PUBLICATION

Gold Nanobeacons for Tracking Gene Silencing in Zebrafish

Authors
Cordeiro, M., Carvalho, L., Silva, J., Saúde, L., Fernandes, A.R., Baptista, P.V.
ID
ZDB-PUB-170326-6
Date
2017
Source
Nanomaterials (Basel, Switzerland)   7(1): (Journal)
Registered Authors
Keywords
fli-EGFP, gene silencing, gold nanobeacons, gold nanoparticles, zebrafish
MeSH Terms
none
PubMed
28336844 Full text @ Nanomaterials (Basel)
Abstract
The use of gold nanoparticles for effective gene silencing has demonstrated its potential as a tool for gene expression experiments and for the treatment of several diseases. Here, we used a gold nanobeacon designed to specifically silence the enhanced green fluorescence protein (EGFP) mRNA in embryos of a fli-EGFP transgenic zebrafish line, while simultaneously allowing the tracking and localization of the silencing events via the beacon's emission. Fluorescence imaging measurements demonstrated a decrease of the EGFP emission with a concomitant increase in the fluorescence of the Au-nanobeacon. Furthermore, microinjection of the Au-nanobeacon led to a negligible difference in mortality and malformations in comparison to the free oligonucleotide, indicating that this system is a biocompatible platform for the administration of gene silencing moieties. Together, these data illustrate the potential of Au-nanobeacons as tools for in vivo zebrafish gene modulation with low toxicity which may be used towards any gene of interest.
Genes / Markers
Figures
Show all Figures
Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping