@article {67647, title = {Single-molecule imaging of chromatin remodelers reveals role of ATPase in promoting fast kinetics of target search and dissociation from chromatin.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {10}, year = {2021}, month = {2021 Jul 27}, abstract = {

Conserved ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers establish and maintain genome-wide chromatin architectures of regulatory DNA during cellular lifespan, but the temporal interactions between remodelers and chromatin targets have been obscure. We performed live-cell single-molecule tracking for RSC, SWI/SNF, CHD1, ISW1, ISW2, and INO80 remodeling complexes in budding yeast and detected hyperkinetic behaviors for chromatin-bound molecules that frequently transition to the free state for all complexes. Chromatin-bound remodelers display notably higher diffusion than nucleosomal histones, and strikingly fast dissociation kinetics with 4-7 s mean residence times. These enhanced dynamics require ATP binding or hydrolysis by the catalytic ATPase, uncovering an additional function to its established role in nucleosome remodeling. Kinetic simulations show that multiple remodelers can repeatedly occupy the same promoter region on a timescale of minutes, implicating an unending {\textquoteright}tug-of-war{\textquoteright} that controls a temporally shifting window of accessibility for the transcription initiation machinery.

}, issn = {2050-084X}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.69387}, author = {Kim, Jee Min and Visanpattanasin, Pat and Jou, Vivian and Liu, Sheng and Tang, Xiaona and Zheng, Qinsi and Li, Kai Yu and Snedeker, Jonathan and Lavis, Luke D and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Wu, Carl} } @article {67671, title = {Spatiotemporal coordination of transcription preinitiation complex assembly in live cells.}, journal = {Molecular Cell}, volume = {81}, year = {2021}, month = {2021 Sep 02}, pages = {3560-3575}, abstract = {

Transcription initiation by RNA polymerase II (RNA Pol II) requires preinitiation complex (PIC) assembly at gene promoters. In the dynamic nucleus, where thousands of promoters are broadly distributed in chromatin, it is unclear how multiple individual components converge on any target to establish the PIC. Here we use live-cell, single-molecule tracking in S.\ cerevisiae to visualize constrained exploration of the nucleoplasm by PIC components and Mediator{\textquoteright}s key role in guiding this process. On chromatin, TFIID/TATA-binding protein (TBP), Mediator, and RNA Pol II instruct assembly of a short-lived PIC, which occurs infrequently but efficiently within a few seconds on average. Moreover, PIC exclusion by nucleosome encroachment underscores regulated promoter accessibility by chromatin remodeling. Thus, coordinated nuclear exploration and recruitment to accessible targets underlies dynamic PIC establishment in yeast. Our study provides a global spatiotemporal model for transcription initiation in live cells.

}, issn = {1097-4164}, doi = {10.1016/j.molcel.2021.07.022}, author = {Nguyen, Vu Q and Ranjan, Anand and Liu, Sheng and Tang, Xiaona and Ling, Yick Hin and Wisniewski, Jan and Mizuguchi, Gaku and Li, Kai Yu and Jou, Vivian and Zheng, Qinsi and Lavis, Luke D and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Wu, Carl} } @article {65581, title = {Live-cell single particle imaging reveals the role of RNA polymerase II in histone H2A.Z eviction.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {9}, year = {2020}, month = {2020 Apr 27}, abstract = {

The H2A.Z histone variant, a genome-wide hallmark of permissive chromatin, is enriched near transcription start sites in all eukaryotes. H2A.Z is deposited by the SWR1 chromatin remodeler and evicted by unclear mechanisms. We tracked H2A.Z in living yeast at single-molecule resolution, and found that H2A.Z eviction is dependent on RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) and the Kin28/Cdk7 kinase, which phosphorylates Serine 5 of heptapeptide repeats on the carboxy-terminal domain of the largest Pol II subunit Rpb1. These findings link H2A.Z eviction to transcription initiation, promoter escape and early elongation activities of Pol II. Because passage of Pol II through +1 nucleosomes genome-wide would obligate H2A.Z turnover, we propose that global transcription at yeast promoters is responsible for eviction of H2A.Z. Such usage of yeast Pol II suggests a general mechanism coupling eukaryotic transcription to erasure of the H2A.Z epigenetic signal.

}, issn = {2050-084X}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.55667}, author = {Ranjan, Anand and Nguyen, Vu Q and Liu, Sheng and Wisniewski, Jan and Kim, Jee Min and Tang, Xiaona and Mizuguchi, Gaku and Elalaoui, Ejlal and Nickels, Timothy J and Jou, Vivian and English, Brian P and Zheng, Qinsi and Luk, Ed and Lavis, Luke D and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Wu, Carl} } @article {65175, title = {Histone H3K27 acetylation precedes active transcription during zebrafish zygotic genome activation as revealed by live-cell analysis.}, journal = {Development}, volume = {146}, year = {2019}, month = {2019 Sep 30}, abstract = {

Histone post-translational modifications are key gene expression regulators, but their rapid dynamics during development remain difficult to capture. We applied a Fab-based live endogenous modification labeling technique to monitor the changes in histone modification levels during zygotic genome activation (ZGA) in living zebrafish embryos. Among various histone modifications, H3 Lys27 acetylation (H3K27ac) exhibited most drastic changes, accumulating in two nuclear foci in the 64- to 1k-cell-stage embryos. The elongating form of RNA polymerase II, which is phosphorylated at Ser2 in heptad repeats within the C-terminal domain (RNAP2 Ser2ph), and miR-430 transcripts were also concentrated in foci closely associated with H3K27ac. When treated with α-amanitin to inhibit transcription or JQ-1 to inhibit binding of acetyl-reader proteins, H3K27ac foci still appeared but RNAP2 Ser2ph and miR-430 morpholino were not concentrated in foci, suggesting that H3K27ac precedes active transcription during ZGA. We anticipate that the method presented here could be applied to a variety of developmental processes in any model and non-model organisms.

}, issn = {1477-9129}, doi = {10.1242/dev.179127}, author = {Sato, Yuko and Hilbert, Lennart and Oda, Haruka and Wan, Yinan and Heddleston, John M and Chew, Teng-Leong and Zaburdaev, Vasily and Keller, Philipp and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Vastenhouw, Nadine and Kimura, Hiroshi} } @article {48860, title = {Genomic probes.}, volume = {A1}, number = {US20170268035 }, year = {2017}, month = {2017 Sep 21}, edition = {C12Q 1/68 20060101 C12Q001/68; C12N 15/09 20060101 C12N015/09; C12P 19/34 20060101 C12P019/34; C07H 21/04 20060101 C07H021/04}, abstract = {Labeled probes, and methods of use thereof, comprise a Cas polypeptide conjugated to gRNA that is specific for target nucleic acid sequences, including genomic DNA sequences. The probes and methods can be used to label nucleic acid sequences without global DNA denaturation. The presently-disclosed subject matter meets some or all of the above identified needs, as will become evident to those of ordinary skill in the art after a study of information provided in this document.}, url = {http://appft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-Parser?Sect1=PTO1\&Sect2=HITOFF\&d=PG01\&p=1\&u=\%2Fnetahtml\%2FPTO\%2Fsrchnum.html\&r=1\&f=G\&l=50\&s1=\%2220170268035\%22.PGNR.\&OS=DN/20170268035\&RS=DN/20170268035}, author = {Singer, Robert H and Deng, Wulan and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e} } @article {48595, title = {mRNA quantification using single-molecule FISH in Drosophila embryos.}, journal = {Nature Protocols}, volume = {12}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 Jul}, pages = {1326-1348}, abstract = {

Spatial information is critical to the interrogation of developmental and tissue-level regulation of gene expression. However, this information is usually lost when global mRNA levels from tissues are measured using reverse transcriptase PCR, microarray analysis or high-throughput sequencing. By contrast, single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) preserves the spatial information of the cellular mRNA content with subcellular resolution within tissues. Here we describe an smFISH protocol that allows for the quantification of single mRNAs in Drosophila embryos, using commercially available smFISH probes (e.g., short fluorescently labeled DNA oligonucleotides) in combination with wide-field epifluorescence, confocal or instant structured illumination microscopy (iSIM, a super-resolution imaging approach) and a spot-detection algorithm. Fixed Drosophila embryos are hybridized in solution with a mixture of smFISH probes, mounted onto coverslips and imaged in 3D. Individual fluorescently labeled mRNAs are then localized within tissues and counted using spot-detection software to generate quantitative, spatially resolved gene expression data sets. With minimum guidance, a graduate student can successfully implement this protocol. The smFISH procedure described here can be completed in 4-5 d.

}, issn = {1750-2799}, doi = {10.1038/nprot.2017.030}, author = {Trcek, Tatjana and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Shroff, Hari and Lehmann, Ruth} } @article {48559, title = {Quantitative mRNA imaging throughout the entire Drosophila brain.}, journal = {Nature Methods}, volume = {14}, year = {2017}, month = {2017 Jun 05}, pages = {703-6}, abstract = {

We describe a fluorescence in situ hybridization method that permits detection of the localization and abundance of single mRNAs (smFISH) in cleared whole-mount adult Drosophila brains. The approach is rapid and multiplexable and does not require molecular amplification; it allows facile quantification of mRNA expression with subcellular resolution on a standard confocal microscope. We further demonstrate single-mRNA detection across the entire brain using a custom Bessel beam structured illumination microscope (BB-SIM).

}, issn = {1548-7105}, doi = {10.1038/nmeth.4309}, author = {Long, Xi and Colonell, Jennifer and Wong, Allan M and Singer, Robert H and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e} } @article {48804, title = {Synthesis of Janelia Fluor HaloTag and SNAP-Tag Ligands and Their Use in Cellular Imaging Experiments.}, journal = {Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)}, volume = {1663}, year = {2017}, month = {2017}, pages = {179-188}, abstract = {

The development of genetically encoded self-labeling protein tags such as the HaloTag and SNAP-tag has expanded the utility of chemical dyes in microscopy. Intracellular labeling using these systems requires small, cell-permeable dyes with high brightness and photostability. We recently discovered a general method to improve the properties of classic fluorophores by replacing N,N-dimethylamino groups with four-membered azetidine rings to create the "Janelia Fluor" dyes. Here, we describe the synthesis of the HaloTag and SNAP-tag ligands of Janelia Fluor 549 and Janelia Fluor 646 as well as standard labeling protocols for use in ensemble and single-molecule cellular imaging.

}, issn = {1940-6029}, doi = {10.1007/978-1-4939-7265-4_15}, author = {Grimm, Jonathan B and Brown, Timothy A and English, Brian P and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Lavis, Luke D} } @article {47729, title = {Bright photoactivatable fluorophores for single-molecule imaging.}, journal = {Nature Methods}, volume = {13}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 Oct 24}, pages = {985-8}, abstract = {

Small molecule fluorophores are important tools for advanced imaging experiments. The development of self-labeling protein tags such as the HaloTag and SNAP-tag has expanded the utility of chemical dyes in live-cell microscopy. We recently described a general method for improving the brightness and photostability of small, cell-permeable fluorophores, resulting in the novel azetidine-containing "Janelia Fluor" (JF) dyes. Here, we refine and extend the utility of the JF dyes by synthesizing photoactivatable derivatives that are compatible with live cell labeling strategies. These compounds retain the superior brightness of the JF dyes once activated, but their facile photoactivation also enables improved single-particle tracking and localization microscopy experiments.

}, doi = {10.1038/nmeth.4034}, author = {Lavis, Luke D and Grimm, Jonathan B and English, Brian P and Choi, Heejin and Muthusamy, Anand K and Mehl, Brian P and Dong, Peng and Brown, Timothy A and Lippincott-Schwartz, Jennifer and Liu, Zhe and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e} } @article {47398, title = {Mapping translation {\textquoteright}hot-spots{\textquoteright} in live cells by tracking single molecules of mRNA and ribosomes.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {5}, year = {2016}, month = {2016}, abstract = {

Messenger RNA localization is important for cell motility by local protein translation. However, while single mRNAs can be imaged and their movements tracked in single cells, it has not yet been possible to determine whether these mRNAs are actively translating. Therefore, we imaged single β-actin mRNAs tagged with MS2 stem loops colocalizing with labeled ribosomes to determine when polysomes formed. A dataset of tracking information consisting of thousands of trajectories per cell demonstrated that mRNAs co-moving with ribosomes have significantly different diffusion properties from non-translating mRNAs that were exposed to translation inhibitors. These data indicate that ribosome load changes mRNA movement and therefore highly translating mRNAs move slower. Importantly, β-actin mRNA near focal adhesions exhibited sub-diffusive corralled movement characteristic of increased translation. This method can identify where ribosomes become engaged for local protein production and how spatial regulation of mRNA-protein interactions mediates cell directionality.

}, issn = {2050-084X}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.10415}, author = {Katz, Zachary B and English, Brian P and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Yoon, Young J and Monnier, Nilah and Ovryn, Ben and Bathe, Mark and Singer, Robert H} } @article {47753, title = {RNA Polymerase II cluster dynamics predict mRNA output in living cells.}, journal = {eLife}, volume = {5}, year = {2016}, month = {2016 May 03}, abstract = {

Protein clustering is a hallmark of genome regulation in mammalian cells. However, the dynamic molecular processes involved make it difficult to correlate clustering with functional consequences in vivo. We developed a live-cell super-resolution approach to uncover the correlation between mRNA synthesis and the dynamics of RNA Polymerase II (Pol II) clusters at a gene locus. For endogenous β-actin genes in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, we observe that short-lived (~8 s) Pol II clusters correlate with basal mRNA output. During serum stimulation, a stereotyped increase in Pol II cluster lifetime correlates with a proportionate increase in the number of mRNAs synthesized. Our findings suggest that transient clustering of Pol II may constitute a pre-transcriptional regulatory event that predictably modulates nascent mRNA output.

}, issn = {2050-084X}, doi = {10.7554/eLife.13617}, author = {Cho, Won-Ki and Jayanth, Namrata and English, Brian P and Inoue, Takuma and Andrews, J Owen and Conway, William and Grimm, Jonathan B and Spille, Jan-Hendrik and Lavis, Luke D and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Cisse, Ibrahim I} } @article {47032, title = {CASFISH: CRISPR/Cas9-mediated in situ labeling of genomic loci in fixed cells.}, journal = {Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America}, volume = {112}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 Aug 31}, pages = {11870-5}, abstract = {

Direct visualization of genomic loci in the 3D nucleus is important for understanding the spatial organization of the genome and its association with gene expression. Various DNA FISH methods have been developed in the past decades, all involving denaturing dsDNA and hybridizing fluorescent nucleic acid probes. Here we report a novel approach that uses in vitro constituted nuclease-deficient clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated caspase 9 (Cas9) complexes as probes to label sequence-specific genomic loci fluorescently without global DNA denaturation (Cas9-mediated fluorescence in situ hybridization, CASFISH). Using fluorescently labeled nuclease-deficient Cas9 (dCas9) protein assembled with various single-guide RNA (sgRNA), we demonstrated rapid and robust labeling of repetitive DNA elements in pericentromere, centromere, G-rich telomere, and coding gene loci. Assembling dCas9 with an array of sgRNAs tiling arbitrary target loci, we were able to visualize nonrepetitive genomic sequences. The dCas9/sgRNA binary complex is stable and binds its target DNA with high affinity, allowing sequential or simultaneous probing of multiple targets. CASFISH assays using differently colored dCas9/sgRNA complexes allow multicolor labeling of target loci in cells. In addition, the CASFISH assay is remarkably rapid under optimal conditions and is applicable for detection in primary tissue sections. This rapid, robust, less disruptive, and cost-effective technology adds a valuable tool for basic research and genetic diagnosis.

}, issn = {1091-6490}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1515692112}, author = {Deng, Wulan and Shi, Xinghua and Tjian, Robert and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Singer, Robert H} } @article {46546, title = {Cellular levels of signaling factors are sensed by β-actin alleles to modulate transcriptional pulse intensity.}, journal = {Cell Reports}, volume = {11}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 Apr 7}, pages = {419-32}, abstract = {

The transcriptional response of β-actin to extra-cellular stimuli is a paradigm for transcription factor complex assembly and regulation. Serum induction leads to a precisely timed pulse of β-actin transcription in the cell population. Actin protein is proposed to be involved in this response, but it is not known whether cellular actin levels affect nuclear β-actin transcription. We perturbed the levels of key signaling factors and examined the effect on the induced transcriptional pulse by following endogenous β-actin alleles in single living cells. Lowering serum response factor (SRF) protein levels leads to loss of pulse integrity, whereas reducing actin protein levels reveals positive feedback regulation, resulting in elevated gene activation and a prolonged transcriptional response. Thus, transcriptional pulse fidelity requires regulated amounts of signaling proteins, and perturbations in factor levels eliminate the physiological response, resulting in either tuning down or exaggeration of the transcriptional pulse.

}, issn = {2211-1247}, doi = {10.1016/j.celrep.2015.03.039}, author = {Kalo, Alon and Kanter, Itamar and Shraga, Amit and Sheinberger, Jonathan and Tzemach, Hadar and Kinor, Noa and Singer, Robert H and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Shav-Tal, Yaron} } @article {46975, title = {Drosophila germ granules are structured and contain homotypic mRNA clusters.}, journal = {Nature Communications}, volume = {6}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 Aug 5}, pages = {7962}, abstract = {

Germ granules, specialized ribonucleoprotein particles, are a hallmark of all germ cells. In Drosophila, an estimated 200 mRNAs are enriched in the germ plasm, and some of these have important, often conserved roles in germ cell formation, specification, survival and migration. How mRNAs are spatially distributed within a germ granule and whether their position defines functional properties is unclear. Here we show, using single-molecule FISH and structured illumination microscopy, a super-resolution approach, that mRNAs are spatially organized within the granule whereas core germ plasm proteins are distributed evenly throughout the granule. Multiple copies of single mRNAs organize into {\textquoteright}homotypic clusters{\textquoteright} that occupy defined positions within the center or periphery of the granule. This organization, which is maintained during embryogenesis and independent of the translational or degradation activity of mRNAs, reveals new regulatory mechanisms for germ plasm mRNAs that may be applicable to other mRNA granules.

}, issn = {2041-1723}, doi = {10.1038/ncomms8962}, author = {Trcek, Tatjana and Grosch, Markus and York, Andrew and Shroff, Hari and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Lehmann, Ruth} } @article {46267, title = {A general method to improve fluorophores for live-cell and single-molecule microscopy.}, journal = {Nature Methods}, volume = {12}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 Jan 19}, pages = {244-50}, abstract = {

Specific labeling of biomolecules with bright fluorophores is the keystone of fluorescence microscopy. Genetically encoded self-labeling tag proteins can be coupled to synthetic dyes inside living cells, resulting in brighter reporters than fluorescent proteins. Intracellular labeling using these techniques requires cell-permeable fluorescent ligands, however, limiting utility to a small number of classic fluorophores. Here we describe a simple structural modification that improves the brightness and photostability of dyes while preserving spectral properties and cell permeability. Inspired by molecular modeling, we replaced the N,N-dimethylamino substituents in tetramethylrhodamine with four-membered azetidine rings. This addition of two carbon atoms doubles the quantum efficiency and improves the photon yield of the dye in applications ranging from in vitro single-molecule measurements to super-resolution imaging. The novel substitution is generalizable, yielding a palette of chemical dyes with improved quantum efficiencies that spans the UV and visible range.

}, issn = {1548-7105}, doi = {10.1038/nmeth.3256}, author = {Grimm, Jonathan B and English, Brian P and Chen, Jiji and Slaughter, Joel P and Zhang, Zhengjian and Revyakin, Andrey and Patel, Ronak and Macklin, John J and Normanno, Davide and Singer, Robert H and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Lavis, Luke D} } @article {47734, title = {Imaging transcription: past, present, and future.}, journal = {Cold Spring Harbor Symposia on Quantitative Biology}, volume = {80}, year = {2015}, month = {2015}, pages = {1-8}, abstract = {

Transcription, the first step of gene expression, is exquisitely regulated in higher eukaryotes to ensure correct development and homeostasis. Traditional biochemical, genetic, and genomic approaches have proved successful at identifying factors, regulatory sequences, and potential pathways that modulate transcription. However, they typically only provide snapshots or population averages of the highly dynamic, stochastic biochemical processes involved in transcriptional regulation. Single-molecule live-cell imaging has, therefore, emerged as a complementary approach capable of circumventing these limitations. By observing sequences of molecular events in real time as they occur in their native context, imaging has the power to derive cause-and-effect relationships and quantitative kinetics to build predictive models of transcription. Ongoing progress in fluorescence imaging technology has brought new microscopes and labeling technologies that now make it possible to visualize and quantify the transcription process with single-molecule resolution in living cells and animals. Here we provide an overview of the evolution and current state of transcription imaging technologies. We discuss some of the important concepts they uncovered and present possible future developments that might solve long-standing questions in transcriptional regulation.

}, issn = {1943-4456}, doi = {10.1101/sqb.2015.80.027201}, author = {Coleman, Robert A and Liu, Zhe and Darzacq, Xavier and Tjian, Robert and Singer, Robert H and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e} } @article {46533, title = {Translation. An RNA biosensor for imaging the first round of translation from single cells to living animals.}, journal = {Science}, volume = {347}, year = {2015}, month = {2015 Mar 20}, pages = {1367-671}, abstract = {

Analysis of single molecules in living cells has provided quantitative insights into the kinetics of fundamental biological processes; however, the dynamics of messenger RNA (mRNA) translation have yet to be addressed. We have developed a fluorescence microscopy technique that reports on the first translation events of individual mRNA molecules. This allowed us to examine the spatiotemporal regulation of translation during normal growth and stress and during Drosophila oocyte development. We have shown that mRNAs are not translated in the nucleus but translate within minutes after export, that sequestration within P-bodies regulates translation, and that oskar mRNA is not translated until it reaches the posterior pole of the oocyte. This methodology provides a framework for studying initiation of protein synthesis on single mRNAs in living cells.

}, issn = {1095-9203}, doi = {10.1126/science.aaa3380}, author = {Halstead, James M and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Wilbertz, Johannes H and Wippich, Frank and Ephrussi, Anne and Singer, Robert H and Chao, Jeffrey A} } @article {6919, title = {Single-molecule dynamics of enhanceosome assembly in embryonic stem cells.}, journal = {Cell}, volume = {156}, year = {2014}, month = {2014 Mar 13}, pages = {1274-85}, abstract = {

Enhancer-binding pluripotency regulators (Sox2 and Oct4) play a seminal role in embryonic stem (ES) cell-specific gene regulation. Here, we combine in\ vivo and in\ vitro single-molecule imaging, transcription factor (TF) mutagenesis, and ChIP-exo mapping to\ determine how TFs dynamically search for and assemble on their cognate DNA target sites. We find that enhanceosome assembly is hierarchically ordered with kinetically favored Sox2 engaging the target DNA first, followed by assisted binding of Oct4. Sox2/Oct4 follow a trial-and-error sampling mechanism involving 84-97 events of 3D diffusion (3.3-3.7 s) interspersed with brief nonspecific collisions (0.75-0.9 s) before acquiring and dwelling at specific target DNA (12.0-14.6 s). Sox2 employs a 3D diffusion-dominated search mode facilitated by 1D sliding along open DNA to efficiently locate targets. Our findings also reveal fundamental aspects of gene and developmental regulation by fine-tuning TF dynamics and influence of the epigenome on target search parameters.

}, issn = {1097-4172}, doi = {10.1016/j.cell.2014.01.062}, author = {Chen, Jiji and Zhang, Zhengjian and Li Li and Chen, Bi-Chang and Revyakin, Andrey and Hajj, Bassam and Legant, Wesley and Dahan, Maxime and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Betzig, Eric and Tjian, Robert and Liu, Zhe} } @article {46712, title = {Colocalization of different influenza viral RNA segments in the cytoplasm before viral budding as shown by single-molecule sensitivity FISH analysis.}, journal = {PLoS Pathogens}, volume = {9}, year = {2013}, month = {2013}, pages = {e1003358}, abstract = {

The Influenza A virus genome consists of eight negative sense, single-stranded RNA segments. Although it has been established that most virus particles contain a single copy of each of the eight viral RNAs, the packaging selection mechanism remains poorly understood. Influenza viral RNAs are synthesized in the nucleus, exported into the cytoplasm and travel to the plasma membrane where viral budding and genome packaging occurs. Due to the difficulties in analyzing associated vRNPs while preserving information about their positions within the cell, it has remained unclear how and where during cellular trafficking the viral RNAs of different segments encounter each other. Using a multicolor single-molecule sensitivity fluorescence in situ hybridization (smFISH) approach, we have quantitatively monitored the colocalization of pairs of influenza viral RNAs in infected cells. We found that upon infection, the viral RNAs from the incoming particles travel together until they reach the nucleus. The viral RNAs were then detected in distinct locations in the nucleus; they are then exported individually and initially remain separated in the cytoplasm. At later time points, the different viral RNA segments gather together in the cytoplasm in a microtubule independent manner. Viral RNAs of different identities colocalize at a high frequency when they are associated with Rab11 positive vesicles, suggesting that Rab11 positive organelles may facilitate the association of different viral RNAs. Using engineered influenza viruses lacking the expression of HA or M2 protein, we showed that these viral proteins are not essential for the colocalization of two different viral RNAs in the cytoplasm. In sum, our smFISH results reveal that the viral RNAs travel together in the cytoplasm before their arrival at the plasma membrane budding sites. This newly characterized step of the genome packaging process demonstrates the precise spatiotemporal regulation of the infection cycle.

}, keywords = {Active Transport, Cell Nucleus, Animals, Cell Nucleus, Dogs, Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus, Humans, In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence, Influenza A virus, Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells, rab GTP-Binding Proteins, RNA, Viral, Viral Matrix Proteins, Virus Assembly}, issn = {1553-7374}, doi = {10.1371/journal.ppat.1003358}, author = {Chou, Yi-ying and Heaton, Nicholas S and Gao, Qinshan and Palese, Peter and Singer, Robert H and Singer, Robert and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e} } @article {6655, title = {Imaging the transcriptome.}, journal = {Molecular Systems Biology}, volume = {9}, year = {2013}, month = {2013 Nov 26}, pages = {710}, issn = {1744-4292}, doi = {10.1038/msb.2013.67}, author = {Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e} } @article {46732, title = {Spatial arrangement of an RNA zipcode identifies mRNAs under post-transcriptional control.}, journal = {Genes \& Development}, volume = {26}, year = {2012}, month = {2012 Jan 1}, pages = {43-53}, abstract = {

How RNA-binding proteins recognize specific sets of target mRNAs remains poorly understood because current approaches depend primarily on sequence information. In this study, we demonstrate that specific recognition of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) by RNA-binding proteins requires the correct spatial positioning of these sequences. We characterized both the cis-acting sequence elements and the spatial restraints that define the mode of RNA binding of the zipcode-binding protein 1 (ZBP1/IMP1/IGF2BP1) to the β-actin zipcode. The third and fourth KH (hnRNP K homology) domains of ZBP1 specifically recognize a bipartite RNA element comprised of a 5{\textquoteright} element (CGGAC) followed by a variable 3{\textquoteright} element (C/A-CA-C/U) that must be appropriately spaced. Remarkably, the orientation of these elements is interchangeable within target transcripts bound by ZBP1. The spatial relationship of this consensus binding site identified conserved transcripts that were verified to associate with ZBP1 in vivo. The dendritic localization of one of these transcripts, spinophilin, was found to be dependent on both ZBP1 and the RNA elements recognized by ZBP1 KH34.

}, keywords = {Actins, Animals, Base Sequence, Cells, Cultured, Consensus Sequence, Dendrites, Gene Expression Regulation, Glycoproteins, Humans, Ligands, Mice, Microfilament Proteins, Models, Molecular, Molecular Sequence Data, Nerve Tissue Proteins, Protein Binding, Protein Structure, Tertiary, RNA, Messenger}, issn = {1549-5477}, doi = {10.1101/gad.177428.111}, author = {Patel, Vivek L and Mitra, Somdeb and Harris, Richard and Buxbaum, Adina R and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Brenowitz, Michael and Girvin, Mark and Levy, Matthew and Almo, Steven C and Singer, Robert H and Chao, Jeffrey A} } @article {46724, title = {Transcription goes digital.}, journal = {EMBO Reports}, volume = {13}, year = {2012}, month = {2012 Apr 2}, pages = {313-21}, abstract = {

Transcription is a complex process that integrates the state of the cell and its environment to generate adequate responses for cell fitness and survival. Recent microscopy experiments have been able to monitor transcription from single genes in individual cells. These observations have revealed two striking features: transcriptional activity can vary markedly from one cell to another, and is subject to large changes over time, sometimes within minutes. How the chromatin structure, transcription machinery assembly and signalling networks generate such patterns is still unclear. In this review, we present the techniques used to investigate transcription from single genes, introduce quantitative modelling tools, and discuss transcription mechanisms and their implications for gene expression regulation.

}, keywords = {Animals, Gene Expression Regulation, Genes, Humans, Models, Genetic, Stochastic Processes, Transcription, Genetic}, issn = {1469-3178}, doi = {10.1038/embor.2012.31}, author = {Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Singer, Robert H} } @article {46740, title = {Transcription of functionally related constitutive genes is not coordinated.}, journal = {Nature Structural \& Molecular Biology}, volume = {18}, year = {2011}, month = {2011 Jan}, pages = {27-34}, abstract = {

Expression of an individual gene can vary considerably among genetically identical cells because of stochastic fluctuations in transcription. However, proteins comprising essential complexes or pathways have similar abundances and lower variability. It is not known whether coordination in the expression of subunits of essential complexes occurs at the level of transcription, mRNA abundance or protein expression. To directly measure the level of coordination in the expression of genes, we used highly sensitive fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to count individual mRNAs of functionally related and unrelated genes within single Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. Our results revealed that transcript levels of temporally induced genes are highly correlated in individual cells. In contrast, transcription of constitutive genes encoding essential subunits of complexes is not coordinated because of stochastic fluctuations. The coordination of these functional complexes therefore must occur post-transcriptionally, and likely post-translationally.

}, keywords = {Gene Expression Regulation, In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence, Models, Genetic, RNA, Messenger, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces cerevisiae Proteins, Transcription, Genetic}, issn = {1545-9985}, doi = {10.1038/nsmb.1934}, author = {Gandhi, Saumil J and Zenklusen, Daniel and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Singer, Robert H} } @article {6601, title = {A transgenic mouse for in vivo detection of endogenous labeled mRNA.}, journal = {Nature Methods}, volume = {8}, year = {2011}, month = {2011 Feb}, pages = {165-70}, abstract = {

Live-cell single mRNA imaging is a powerful tool but has been restricted in higher eukaryotes to artificial cell lines and reporter genes. We describe an approach that enables live-cell imaging of single endogenous labeled mRNA molecules transcribed in primary mammalian cells and tissue. We generated a knock-in mouse line with an MS2 binding site (MBS) cassette targeted to the 3{\textquoteright} untranslated region of the essential β-actin gene. As β-actin-MBS was ubiquitously expressed, we could uniquely address endogenous mRNA regulation in any tissue or cell type. We simultaneously followed transcription from the β-actin alleles in real time and observed transcriptional bursting in response to serum stimulation with precise temporal resolution. We tracked single endogenous labeled mRNA particles being transported in primary hippocampal neurons. The MBS cassette also enabled high-sensitivity fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), allowing detection and localization of single β-actin mRNA molecules in various mouse tissues.

}, keywords = {Animals, Cell Survival, Cells, Cultured, Fluorescence, Genetic, In Situ Hybridization, Messenger, Mice, RNA, Transcription, Transgenic}, issn = {1548-7105}, doi = {10.1038/nmeth.1551}, author = {Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Czaplinski, Kevin and Darzacq, Xavier and Shav-Tal, Yaron and Wells, Amber L and Chao, Jeffrey A and Park, Hye Yoon and de Turris, Valeria and Lopez-Jones, Melissa and Singer, Robert H} } @article {2390, title = {Imaging transcription in living cells.}, journal = {Annual Review of Biophysics}, volume = {38}, year = {2009}, month = {2009 Feb 3}, pages = {173-96}, abstract = {

The advent of new technologies for the imaging of living cells has made it possible to determine the properties of transcription, the kinetics of polymerase movement, the association of transcription factors, and the progression of the polymerase on the gene. We report here the current state of the field and the progress necessary to achieve a more complete understanding of the various steps in transcription. Our Consortium is dedicated to developing and implementing the technology to further this understanding.

}, keywords = {Computer-Assisted, Fluorescence, Gene Expression Profiling, Image Interpretation, Microscopy, Transcription Factors, Transcriptional Activation}, issn = {1936-122X}, doi = {10.1073/pnas.1100640108}, author = {Darzacq, Xavier and Yao, Jie and Larson, Daniel R and Causse, Sebastien Z and Bosanac, Lana and de Turris, Valeria and Ruda, Vera M and Lionnet, Timoth{\'e}e and Zenklusen, Daniel and Guglielmi, Benjamin and Tjian, Robert and Singer, Robert H} }