Live-cell imaging of endogenous Egr1 mRNA using an MPBS knock-in mouse model

Real-time imaging of endogenous mRNA is essential for understanding the dynamics of gene regulation, yet appropriate animal models have been limited. We developed an Egr1-MPBS knock-in mouse line in which all endogenous Egr1 transcripts are tagged with 12 tandem MS2 and PP7 binding site (MPBS) pairs, enabling direct visualization of single mRNA molecules under physiological conditions. To establish proof of principle, we derived mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) lines from this model and performed live-cell imaging of fluorescently labeled Egr1 transcripts. We found that the insertion of the MPBS cassette did not alter endogenous mRNA stability or expression dynamics. This system allowed us to observe Egr1 transcriptional bursting and quantitatively track individual mRNA molecules as they diffused within the nucleus and cytoplasm. By integrating technological innovation with mechanistic insight, the Egr1-MPBS mouse establishes a broadly applicable platform for quantitative studies of gene expression and RNA trafficking at single-molecule resolution in living systems.