Can a gene expression be visualized non-invasively?

– Husna, Amity University Kolkata

Visualizing gene expression, protein localization, and other cellular activities via special equipment, expensive chemicals, or invasive treatments are quite commonly done through Reporters. For instance, the β-glucuronidase (GUS) and luciferase are broadly used reporters that require the addition of expensive substrates X-Gluc and luciferin, respectively. Moreover, GUS-staining is invasive. Luciferase is non-invasive but needs a special camera. Hence, there’s a need to develop a new reporter that can be used to monitor gene expression in a non-invasive and cost-effective manner. 

Betalains, obtained from the amino-acid tyrosine can serve as a reporter to visualize gene expression. As tyrosine is present in every cell, exogenous application to the tissues isn’t required. Due to the bright red color of betalain, it’s visible so no special equipment is needed as well.

A reporter named RUBY is constructed, on expressing it produces all enzymes required for betalain biosynthesis. Thus, RUBY is an effective marker for selecting transformation events non-invasively.

Source: A reporter for noninvasively monitoring gene expression and plant transformation Yubing He, Tao Zhang, Hui Sun, Huadong Zhan & Yunde Zhao Horticulture Researchvolume 7, Article number: 152 (2020) https://www.nature.com/articles/s41438-020-00390-1

For more updates, visit https://bioxone.in//