2'-SCF3 uridine-A powerful label for probing structure and function of RNA by 19F NMR spectroscopy

Abstract

Magnetic resonance methods that employ the 19F nucleus for cellular imaging or molecular structure and dynamics investigations become increasingly important for both in vitro and in vivo systems. Fluorine is hardly encountered in biomolecules and therefore provides excellent bioorthogonality. However, what is an advantage on the one hand, can become an obstacle on the other hand because proper methods for labeling are required. Although an elegant alternative that relies on "spy molecules", which contain the fluoride sensor, has been reported recently, direct labeling of either the target or the interaction partner remains inevitable for the majority of successful applications. © 2012 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.