New Imaging Technique Tracks Viral RNA in Living Cells
The Penn State-developed fluorescent tag enables real-time visualization of Zika and chikungunya infection processes.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Life Sciences
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Penn State researchers developed a fluorescent imaging technique to track Zika and chikungunya RNA movement within living cells. The study, published in Nature Communications, utilizes a dual-action tag called Mango-II to visualize viral processes during the infectious lifecycle.
Why it matters
Understanding how viral RNA interacts with host cell components is critical for identifying potential therapeutic targets. This research provides a new methodology for observing these interactions in real-time, which could eventually be adapted for other RNA viruses like hepatitis C.
The Mango-II tag functions as a dual-action aptamer—a short, single-stranded nucleic acid sequence that binds specifically to target molecules—inserted into the Zika and chikungunya genomes. It binds to a fluorescent stain that glows green until the virus reaches its double-stranded RNA replication phase.
The players
Penn State
A public research university in Pennsylvania recognized for its extensive work in life sciences, engineering, and viral imaging.
The details
Researchers at Penn State engineered the Mango-II tag by inserting specific DNA sequences directly into the protein-coding regions of the viral genomes. These tags fold into unique secondary structures that bind to fluorescent dyes, enabling researchers to visualize single-stranded viral RNA as it moves through host cells. Fluorescence ceases specifically when the virus transitions to the double-stranded RNA replication stage, offering a precise visual marker for that viral lifecycle shift.
Timeline
2017-2018: Research team begins development of live imaging tools.
October 27, 2026: Study results are published in Nature Communications.
The Tech Race
This development follows years of efforts to move beyond static, fixed-cell microscopy in viral research. It situates Penn State at the forefront of real-time molecular tracking for pathogens, aiming to provide higher resolution than prior fluorescent tag iterations.
This imaging tool is currently a laboratory research instrument and is not yet available for clinical or diagnostic use. The research suggests potential future applications for studying other RNA-based pathogens such as dengue and rhinovirus.
The takeaway
This study establishes a new visual benchmark for monitoring viral replication in living host cells. Researchers are now looking to adapt the Mango-II tag to study additional RNA viruses, marking a significant step toward mapping real-time viral infections.
Further reading
For broader research on infectious disease breakthroughs, visit Life Sciences.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Technology Networks.
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