title: Visualizing mRNA Dynamics in Live Neurons and Brain Tissues.
abstract: Localization of mRNA plays a crucial role in a variety of neuronal processes including synaptogenesis, axonal guidance, and long-term plasticity. Recent advances in fluorescence imaging and RNA labeling techniques allow us to visualize how individual mRNA molecules are dynamically regulated inside live neurons and brain tissues. Here, we describe key methods in imaging mRNA dynamics, including preparation of neuron culture and brain slices from transgenic mice expressing GFP-labeled mRNA, high-resolution detection of single molecules, live tissue imaging, and analysis of mRNA transport.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics and Astronomy, Seoul National University, University 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 151-747, South Korea. hyeyoon.park@snu.ac.kr.
authors.forename: Hye Yoon
authors.initials: HY
authors.lastname: Park
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics and Astronomy, Seoul National University, University 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 151-747, South Korea.
authors.forename: Minho
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Song
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001921:Brain / Q000378:metabolism; D001931:Brain Mapping / Q000379:methods*; D051379:Mice; D009474:Neurons / Q000378:metabolism*; D061848:Optical Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D012333:RNA, Messenger
keywords: Live cell imaging; MS2-GFP system; RNA localization; Single-molecule imaging; Two-photon microscopy