Direct Visualization of Individual mRNA Export Through Differential Fluorescent Labeling

Abstract

The nuclear export of mRNA through the nuclear pore complex is a crucial step in gene expression and is tightly regulated through signal-recognizing proteins. Though the mRNAs in the cytoplasm are well imaged in fixed or living cells, the detection of the export event has been difficult due to the lack of adequate technique to distinguish nuclear and cytoplasmic mRNAs, while it is crucial in elucidating the mechanism of controlling their life cycle. We developed a novel fluorescent labeling tool that will mark the nuclear and cytoplasmic mRNAs differently. Using the tool, we can potentially trace the full life cycle of mRNAs from transcription, splicing, to translation. We present our preliminary results on developing the labeling tool and tracking the live mRNA export dynamics.