Live cell RNA detection aids in the understanding of cellular responses (P3362)

Abstract

Abstract Understanding the immune response can be aided by analyzing the genes that immune cells express in response to stimuli. Since all cells from the same orgainism have the same genetic components it is the selection of which genes are expressed that gives each cell its unique characteristics. Once a cell senses cues from its environment it begins to respond by transcribing its DNA into RNA which is later translated into protein. In order to monitor responses at the earliest possible point the RNA levels of a given gene can be assessed giving the researcher insight to how the cell has chosen to react before the protein is translated. Detecting gene expression has traditionally been limited to technologies that examine RNA in lysed or fixed cell populations. The ability to detect gene expression in live cells would allow for more physiologically relevant information. We have developed a novel RNA detection technology capable of detecting specific mRNA and miRNA in live, intact cells. It allows for carrier-free cellular uptake of the reagent, followed by detection of target RNA, with the ability to perform downstream analysis in the same sample.