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Photocaged FLP recombinase for precise spatio-temporal control of gene expression
Jose Javier Vazquez Rodriguez1, Kieran Baxter1, Yunchuan Ma1
1Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research, University of Edinburgh, George Square, Edinburgh EH8 9XD, United Kingdom.
Nucleic Acids Research
|March 26, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed a light-activated FLP recombinase for precise gene expression control in C. elegans. This photocaged tool enables targeted gene activation in single cells using standard microscopy, offering enhanced spatio-temporal precision.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Precise control of gene expression is crucial for biological studies.
- Existing methods like FLP recombinase offer limited spatio-temporal precision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a photocaged FLP recombinase for light-inducible gene expression control.
- To demonstrate its efficacy and precision in the model organism Caenorhabditis elegans.
Main Methods:
- Genetic code expansion was used to incorporate photocaged amino acids into FLP.
- Photocaged FLP was tested for background activity and light-activated efficiency.
- Activation specificity was assessed across different light wavelengths.
- Single-cell gene expression activation was performed using a microscope-mounted laser.
Main Results:
- Photocaged FLP showed no background activity and near 100% efficiency upon illumination.
- Activation occurred with light between 365-435 nm and was inactive above 450 nm.
- Light-activated FLP is compatible with imaging and optogenetics wavelengths.
- Single-cell gene activation was achieved with <10 ms laser illumination per cell.
Conclusions:
- A photocaged FLP recombinase was successfully developed for precise gene expression control.
- This tool allows for highly specific, light-mediated gene activation in individual cells within C. elegans.
- The developed system offers a straightforward and efficient method for spatio-temporal gene regulation in multicellular organisms.
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