"A new, non-invasive method tracks gene activity in living brains using blood samples, eliminating the need for tissue destruction."
Summary
Bioengineers at Rice University have developed a method to measure transcription profiles of targeted genes in living brain tissue using blood samples, without destroying tissue. The method, called In-vivo Tracking of Active Transcription (INTACT) , combines engineered reporter molecules (RMAs) and sensors that detect target mRNA and trigger RMA release into the bloodstream.
Key Details
- The method was demonstrated in an animal model, tracking three brain regions simultaneously.
- It is scalable and can theoretically monitor any gene by including its sequence in a genetic construct.
- INTACT does not require bespoke reagents for each gene; targeting is programmable.
- Unlike next generation sequencing (NGS) and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), INTACT does not require sample destruction, allowing longitudinal tracking in living tissue.
Background
Assistant professor Jerzy Szablowski led the study, published in Nature Communications. Postdoctoral researcher Sho Watanabe is the first author. The research was supported by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, and the U.S. National Science Foundation.
Future Directions
The team aims to develop highly multiplexed monitoring for large numbers of genes, neural circuits, or brain regions simultaneously. INTACT may also be applied to tissues beyond the brain.