Leveraging their knowledge of plant and synthetic biology, scientists have developed a biosensor that detects RNA signals in real time within living plants, enhancing the ability to monitor gene expression and fine-tune genome engineering efforts.
Drawing on their expertise in plant biology and synthetic biology, scientists developed a biosensor that enables real-time detection of RNA signals in living plants, improving the ability to monitor gene expression and optimize genome engineering. Image Credit: Philip Gray, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
The Science
Inside plant cells, RNA acts as a messenger, carrying instructions from DNA that direct protein production, which is critical for nearly every cellular function. These RNA signals can shift quickly as plants grow or respond to stress, disease, or changes in their environment. However, capturing these rapid changes has been a challenge. Traditional methods rely on collecting tissue samples at different time points, which can be slow, costly, and may miss fleeting but important signals.
To address this, scientists have developed a biosensor that identifies specific RNA sequences and converts that activity into a visible signal, such as fluorescence. This enables researchers to monitor gene activity in real time, directly in living plants.
The Impact
This new biosensor provides a clearer window into how plants function at the molecular level. By allowing real-time tracking of RNA signals, it helps researchers understand when and how specific genes are turned on or off in response to stress, growth cues, or environmental changes.
The technology can also be integrated into plant phenotyping systems that capture both molecular and physical traits. This makes it easier to connect changes in gene expression with what we observe in a plant’s appearance or behavior. These insights are especially valuable in synthetic biology and genome engineering, where fine-tuning gene expression is key to developing hardier, more productive crops.
Summary
RNA plays a central role in plant biology, regulating gene expression, guiding development, and responding to internal and external signals. Historically, tracking these processes meant destroying plant tissue for sampling—limiting scientists to isolated snapshots rather than a continuous view.
To overcome this, a research team at Oak Ridge National Laboratory created a biosensor using a split ribozyme system. When a target RNA is present, the ribozyme reassembles and activates a fluorescent protein like superfolder GFP (sfGFP), producing a visible signal. This makes it possible to observe gene activity as it happens, without damaging the plant.
The biosensor has been successfully tested in Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana, detecting both native and synthetic RNA sequences. Its adaptability opens the door for wide-ranging applications—from tracking how plants respond to drought or pathogens to validating the performance of synthetic gene circuits.
By making RNA activity visible in real time, this tool offers a powerful, non-invasive way to study plant biology. It supports faster, more informed decision-making in genetic engineering and accelerates research across both fundamental and applied plant science.
Funding
The research received funding from the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, Genomic Science Program, as part of the Secure Ecosystem Engineering and Design (SEED) Scientific Focus Area. The study was supported by the Center for Bioenergy Innovation, which is part of the DOE Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research Program.
Journal Reference:
Yang, L., et al. (2025) A split ribozyme system for in vivo plant RNA imaging and genetic engineering. Plant Biotechnology Journal. doi.org/10.1111/pbi.14612