Virus-like particles enable gene activity tracking over time in the same cells
In recent years, scientists have developed methods to measure a cell's transcriptome, or all the RNA produced by a cell, to study the cell's identity and genetic activity. However, these methods rely on killing the cell to access the bits of RNA within and offer only a one-time snapshot.
Scientists at the Broad Institute and MIT have created a revolutionary method to track gene activity within living cells over time, without the need to kill the cells. This technique, detailed in the journal Cell, leverages virus-like particles produced by cells to encapsulate and release their own RNA, which can then be sampled and analyzed repeatedly.
This allows researchers to observe changes in gene expression as cells mature or respond to external factors, offering valuable insights into disease progression and drug effects. The approach, inspired by retroviruses that package their RNA into protein shells, has been tested across various cell types, including human cells, cancer lines, stem cells, and neuronal cells.
The team has also applied the method to complex models like organ-on-a-chip devices, demonstrating its potential for studying intricate biological processes while preserving the integrity of the cells.
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