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Dynamic SOX2 Gene Expression Revealed by Phase-Separated Single RNA Imaging in Live Porcine Cells
Chaoqian Jiang1, Zhongyu Yuan1, Chuanpei Li1
1Key Laboratory of Animal Cellular and Genetic Engineering of Heilongjiang Province, Northeast Agricultural University, No. 600, Changjiang Road 150030, Harbin, China; College of Life Science, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China.
The Journal of Biological Chemistry
|August 10, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed an improved RNA visualization system for live pig cells. This Foldon-MS2/MCP system enhances signal detection for studying gene expression and RNA dynamics in pigs.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- RNA is crucial for pig trait development.
- Visualizing RNA dynamics in living pig cells is key to understanding gene regulation.
- Existing RNA visualization methods require optimization for sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate an optimized RNA labeling system for live pig cells.
- To enhance the visualization of endogenous mRNA dynamics.
- To enable high-resolution tracking of specific mRNAs like SOX2.
Main Methods:
- An optimized MS2-MCP RNA-labeling system (Foldon-MS2/MCP) was engineered.
- This system incorporates a foldon trimerization domain for enhanced fluorescence.
- The system was used to image endogenous GFP and SOX2 mRNA in live pig cells.
Main Results:
- The Foldon-MS2/MCP system significantly increased fluorescence intensity and signal-to-noise ratio.
- Endogenous GFP mRNA foci were successfully imaged in pig cell nuclei and cytoplasm.
- High-resolution tracking of SOX2 mRNA dynamics, including elongation and translation, was achieved.
Conclusions:
- The Foldon-MS2/MCP system offers a powerful tool for studying RNA localization and gene expression in pigs.
- This advanced system enables real-time visualization of endogenous mRNA dynamics.
- It provides new avenues for investigating gene expression regulation at the single-molecule level in live pig cells.