Abstract
It is possible to observe gene expression within single cells using a tetracycline inducible promoter for activation. Transcription can be observed by using a fluorescent fusion protein to bind nascent RNA. Ultimately, it is desirable to activate a reporter gene within a single cell with only photons. This is achieved by preparing a chemically altered transcription factor that is functionally unable to activate a reporter gene until it is exposed to photon excitation. We apply two-photon imaging to visualize tumor cells expressing a transgene and ultimately this approach will provide the means to activate a specific gene within a single cell within any tissue to ultimately observe its functional significance in situ.
Original language | English (US) |
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Article number | 051406 |
Journal | Journal of Biomedical Optics |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 5 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 2005 |
Keywords
- Caged transcription factors
- Gene expression
- Noninvasive imaging
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Biomaterials
- Atomic and Molecular Physics, and Optics
- Biomedical Engineering