![Following mRNA from Birth to Death]()
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is crucial for converting genetic information into proteins and for regulating gene expression. The life of an mRNA molecule in cells—including its transcription in the nucleus and translation of its message into a protein—can be followed using the MS2 imaging system, developed by Robert Singer, Ph.D., Evelina Tutucci Ph.D., and Maria Vera Ph.D., at Einstein. In a paper published online on November 13 in Nature Methods, Dr. Singer and colleagues describe re-engineering the MS2 system so that it can now follow mRNAs all the way from birth to degradation. Emerging evidence indicates that this final stage in the life of mRNA molecules is highly regulated: The need for rapid activation and de-activation of specific genes requires that mRNA production and degradation be coordinated so that protein levels can be tightly controlled. Dr. Singer is professor and co-chair of anatomy & structural biology, as well as co-director of the Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center and of the Integrated Imaging Program. He also is professor in the Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience and of cell biology and the Harold and Muriel Block Chair in anatomy & structural biology.
Posted on: Tuesday, January 02, 2018