An improved imaging system that corrects MS2-induced RNA destabilization

Nat Methods. 2022 Dec;19(12):1558-1562. doi: 10.1038/s41592-022-01658-1. Epub 2022 Nov 10.

Abstract

The MS2 and MS2-coat protein (MS2-MCP) imaging system is widely used to study messenger RNA (mRNA) spatial distribution in living cells. Here, we report that the MS2-MCP system destabilizes some tagged mRNAs by activating the nonsense-mediated mRNA decay pathway. We introduce an improved version, which counteracts this effect by increasing the efficiency of translation termination of the tagged mRNAs. Improved versions were developed for both yeast and mammalian systems.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Capsid Proteins* / genetics
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Mammals / genetics
  • Protein Biosynthesis
  • RNA Stability
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae* / genetics
  • Saccharomyces cerevisiae* / metabolism

Substances

  • Capsid Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger