Cell-Specific Monitoring of Protein Synthesis In Vivo
2009

Monitoring Protein Synthesis in Live Cells

Sample size: 40 publication 10 minutes Evidence: high

Author Information

Author(s): Kourtis Nikos, Tavernarakis Nektarios

Primary Institution: Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece

Hypothesis

Can a novel method using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) effectively monitor protein synthesis in specific cells or tissues in vivo?

Conclusion

The developed method allows for non-invasive monitoring of protein synthesis in specific cells or tissues in live organisms.

Supporting Evidence

  • The method allows monitoring of protein synthesis in single cells or tissues.
  • Fluorescence recovery was faster in neurons compared to muscle cells.
  • Fluorescence recovery depends on de novo protein synthesis.
  • The approach can be adapted for various organisms and experimental models.
  • Protein synthesis rates can be monitored for proteins in low abundance.

Takeaway

Scientists created a new way to see how proteins are made in living cells without using harmful chemicals. This helps them understand how different cells work.

Methodology

The study used fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) to measure protein synthesis rates in specific cells of live C. elegans.

Potential Biases

Potential biases may arise from the specific genetic backgrounds of the organisms used in the study.

Limitations

The method may not be applicable to all organisms and requires careful experimental design to avoid genetic backgrounds that affect protein synthesis.

Participant Demographics

The study focused on transgenic C. elegans strains expressing fluorescent proteins.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.05

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004547

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