@article {70242,
	title = {mRNAbow: A versatile gene expression system for multiplexed fluorescent imaging using optimized in vitro transcribed mRNA},
	journal = {bioRxiv},
	year = {2026},
	month = {2026 Jan 02},
	abstract = {<p>Messenger RNA (mRNA) transfection enables rapid, transient protein expression without nuclear entry, providing a powerful alternative to DNA or viral delivery in post-mitotic and otherwise difficult-to-transfect cells. Although in vitro transcribed (IVT) mRNAs have revolutionized therapeutic applications, their adoption in experimental biology remains limited by challenges in synthesis, variability across cell types, and concerns about cytotoxicity. Here, we define design principles that maximize IVT mRNA performance across diverse cellular and organismal systems. Through systematic comparison of capping strategies and base modifications, including N1-methyl-pseudouridine, 5-methylcytidine, and 5-methoxyuridine, we identify modifications that enhance translation while minimizing activation of cellular stress responses. Optimized transcripts drive robust protein expression within four hours, persist for up to one week, and support multiplexed expression of structurally and functionally distinct proteins in mammalian cells, including cancer cell lines, iPSC-derived systems, primary cells, and organoids, as well as in vivo in zebrafish embryos and in less genetically tractable models such as Danionella cerebrum and sea urchin embryos. To further expand accessibility for community use, we developed mRNAbow, a platform for generating low-toxicity mRNAs encoding organelle-targeted fluorescent proteins and biosensors for multiplex imaging, with corresponding plasmids made publicly available. Together, these advances establish a generalizable framework for IVT mRNA design and expand experimental access to synthetic mRNA technologies for dissecting cellular architecture and dynamics.</p>
},
	doi = {10.64898/2026.01.02.697412},
	url = {https://www.biorxiv.org/content/early/2026/01/02/2026.01.02.697412},
	author = {Choi, Heejun and Halanych, Coral and Kasberg, William and Testa, Michael D. and Rubin-Elgressy, Sarah and Nguyen, Phuong and Walpita, Deepika and Tsang, Arthur and Cortes, Dan and Song, Erin Yue and Wu, Haodi and Weissman, Irving L and Espinosa-Medina, Isabel and Satou, Chie and Song, Jia L. and Matus, David Q. and Lippincott-Schwartz, Jennifer}
}
@article {65198,
	title = {A bidirectional network for appetite control in larval zebrafish.},
	journal = {Elife},
	volume = {8},
	year = {2019},
	month = {2019 Oct 18},
	abstract = {<p>Medial and lateral hypothalamic loci are known to suppress and enhance appetite, respectively, but the dynamics and functional significance of their interaction have yet to be explored. Here we report that, in larval zebrafish, primarily serotonergic neurons of the ventromedial caudal hypothalamus (cH) become increasingly active during food deprivation, whereas activity in the lateral hypothalamus (LH) is reduced. Exposure to food sensory and consummatory cues reverses the activity patterns of these two nuclei, consistent with their representation of opposing internal hunger states. Baseline activity is restored as food-deprived animals return to satiety via voracious feeding. The antagonistic relationship and functional importance of cH and LH activity patterns were confirmed by targeted stimulation and ablation of cH neurons. Collectively, the data allow us to propose a model in which these hypothalamic nuclei regulate different phases of hunger and satiety and coordinate energy balance via antagonistic control of distinct behavioral outputs.</p>
},
	issn = {2050-084X},
	doi = {10.7554/eLife.43775},
	author = {Wee, Caroline Lei and Song, Erin Yue and Johnson, Robert Evan and Ailani, Deepak and Randlett, Owen and Kim, Ji-Yoon and Nikitchenko, Maxim and Bahl, Armin and Yang, Chao-Tsung and Ahrens, Misha B and Kawakami, Koichi and Engert, Florian and Kunes, Sam}
}
