Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 7, 2025
12:20
Real-time Imaging of Single Engineered RNA Transcripts in Living Cells Using Ratiometric Bimolecular Beacons
Published on: August 6, 2014
11.8K
Translation Dynamics of Single mRNAs in Live Cells
Tatsuya Morisaki1, O'Neil Wiggan1, Timothy J Stasevich1,2
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA;
Annual Review of Biophysics
|December 22, 2023
Summary
Researchers review advanced single-molecule imaging techniques for studying messenger RNA (mRNA) translation in real time. These methods reveal the complex and heterogeneous nature of gene expression regulation within live cells.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Gene expression culminates in protein synthesis via messenger RNA (mRNA) translation.
- Studying translation dynamics in real time within live cells has been challenging.
- Recent technological progress allows for unprecedented precision in observing molecular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of single-mRNA translation reporters.
- To highlight the core technology and its complementary tools.
- To showcase applications in addressing key biological questions.
Main Methods:
- Review of single-mRNA translation reporter technologies.
- Focus on probes, tags, and accessories for visualization and quantification.
- Analysis of studies utilizing these reporters in model systems.
Main Results:
- Detailed examination of single-mRNA translation reporters and associated technologies.
- Demonstration of visualization and quantification of translation dynamics.
- Highlighting successful applications in diverse model systems.
Conclusions:
- Single-mRNA reporters offer high spatiotemporal resolution for studying translation.
- These techniques uncover previously unseen phenomena in translational regulation.
- The complexity and heterogeneity of translation are being revealed.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Regulation of Expression at Multiple Steps
915
The gene expression in cells is regulated at different stages: (i) transcription, (ii) RNA processing, (iii) RNA localization, and (iv) translation. Transcriptional regulation is mediated by regulatory proteins such as transcription factors, activators, or repressors—these control gene expression by initiating or inhibiting the transcription of genes. Once a precursor or pre-mRNA is produced, it undergoes post-transcriptional modification, including 5' capping, splicing, and the...
915
02:22Regulated mRNA Transport
6.3K
In eukaryotes, transcription and translation are compartmentalized; an mRNA is first synthesized in the nucleus and then selectively transported to the cytoplasm for protein synthesis. Before transport, a pre-mRNA undergoes several steps of post-transcriptional modifications including splicing, 5' capping, and the addition of a poly-adenine tail. Various proteins bind to the pre-mRNA during these modifications. The mRNA transport takes place with the help of multiple proteins playing...
6.3K
02:24Regulation of Expression Occurs at Multiple Steps
22.7K
Gene expression can be regulated at almost every step from gene to protein. Transcription is the step that is most commonly regulated. This involves the binding of proteins to short regulatory sequences on the DNA. This association can either promote or inhibit the transcription of a gene associated with the respective sequence.
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
Transcription results in the generation of precursor (pre-mRNA) that consists of both exons and introns, which needs further processing before being translated to a...
22.7K
02:51mRNA Stability and Gene Expression
5.6K
The structure and stability of mRNA molecules regulates gene expression, as mRNAs are a key step in the pathway from gene to protein. In eukaryotes, the half-life of mRNA varies from a few minutes up to several days. mRNA stability is essential in growth and development. The absence of the proteins regulating its stability, such as tristetraprolin in mice, can cause systemic issues, including bone marrow overgrowth, inflammation, and autoimmunity.
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
Cis-acting Elements involved in mRNA stability
5.6K
01:53RNA Stability
33.5K
Intact DNA strands can be found in fossils, while scientists sometimes struggle to keep RNA intact under laboratory conditions. The structural variations between RNA and DNA underlie the differences in their stability and longevity. Because DNA is double-stranded, it is inherently more stable. The single-stranded structure of RNA is less stable but also more flexible and can form weak internal bonds. Additionally, most RNAs in the cell are relatively short, while DNA can be up to 250 million...
33.5K
02:33Initiation of Translation
33.3K
Initiating translation is complex because it involves multiple molecules. Initiator tRNA, ribosomal subunits, and eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) are all required to assemble on the initiation codon of mRNA. This process consists of several steps that are mediated by different eIFs.
First, the initiator tRNA must be selected from the pool of elongator tRNAs by eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2). The initiator tRNA (Met-tRNAi) has conserved sequence elements including modified bases at...
First, the initiator tRNA must be selected from the pool of elongator tRNAs by eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2). The initiator tRNA (Met-tRNAi) has conserved sequence elements including modified bases at...
33.3K