Imaging real-time gene expression in living systems with single-transcript resolution: construct design and imaging system setup.

INTRODUCTIONThe most common way for a cell to respond to internal and external signals is to change its gene expression pattern. This requires the synchronization of regulatory steps along the expression pathway. Biological imaging techniques can be used to visualize and measure such processes in individual live cells in real time. This article discusses the use of a fluorescent RNA-binding protein system that allows real-time analysis of gene expression with single-transcript resolution.