Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) MALAT1 in regulating osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation using a double-stranded gapmer locked nucleic acid nanobiosensor

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are non-protein coding RNA molecules that are longer than 200 nucleotides. The lncRNA molecule plays diverse roles in gene regulation, chromatin remodeling, and cellular processes, influencing various biological pathways. However, probing the complex dynamics of lncRNA in live cells is a challenging task. In this study, a double-stranded gapmer locked nucleic acid (ds-GapM-LNA) nanobiosensor is designed for visualizing the abundance and expression of lncRNA in live human bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The sensitivity, specificity, and stability were characterized. The results showed that this ds-GapM-LNA nanobiosensor has very good sensitivity, specificity, and stability, which allows for dissecting the regulatory roles of cellular processes during dynamic physiological events. By incorporating this nanobiosensor in living hMSC imaging, we elucidated lncRNA MALAT1 expression dynamics during osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. The data reveal that lncRNA MALAT1 expression is correlated with distinct sub-stages of osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation.