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Background free imaging of single mRNAs in live cells using split fluorescent proteins.

ABSTRACT: We describe a technique for imaging single mRNAs in living cells based on fluorescent protein (FP) complementation. We employ the high affinity interaction between the bacterial phage MS2/PP7 coat proteins and their respective RNA binding motifs as an RNA scaffold to bring two halves of a split-FP together to image single reporter mRNAs without background fluorescence.

SUBMITTER: Wu B

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3885884 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Background free imaging of single mRNAs in live cells using split fluorescent proteins.

Wu Bin B Chen Jiahao J Singer Robert H RH

Scientific reports 20140109

We describe a technique for imaging single mRNAs in living cells based on fluorescent protein (FP) complementation. We employ the high affinity interaction between the bacterial phage MS2/PP7 coat proteins and their respective RNA binding motifs as an RNA scaffold to bring two halves of a split-FP together to image single reporter mRNAs without background fluorescence. ...[more]

PMID: 24402470

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