This application discloses a technique for detecting target
nucleic acid molecules using an activated fluorescent
RNA probe, its
expression vector, and a detection method. It includes: probe design and preparation methods; labeling and detection of target
nucleic acid molecules in solution samples using the probe; labeling and detection of target
nucleic acid molecules in living cells using the probe; and labeling and detection of target nucleic acid molecules in immobilized cells using the probe. This invention overcomes the shortcomings of current commercially synthesized FISH and
molecular beacon probes, such as their inability to be genetically encoded, difficult preparation, and high cost. It provides an efficient, simple, and rapid method to obtain activated fluorescent
RNA probes for detecting target nucleic acid molecules through genetic encoding or
in vitro transcription. This offers a practical tool for research on fundamental life science issues and for point-of-care and even real-time diagnosis of diseases, possessing broad scientific and
social significance.