Nongenetic Control of Receptor Signaling Dynamics with a DNA-based Optochemical Tool

Optochemical tools that can modulate activity of the target protein provide an opportunity for studying and regulating the related biological processes. Here we present a DNA-based nongenetic optochemical tool that can control dynamics of growth factor signaling. A photo-caged DNA aptamer for a growth factor receptor was designed to assemble into an active dimer form, depending on UV irradiation, thereby enabling optical control of the dimerization and subsequent activation of the receptor. This photo-caged mimicry of growth factor can be a promising tool for elucidating a linkage between dynamics of signaling and resulting biological outcomes, as well as for manipulating cellular functions and the fate of living cells.