RNA dynamics in live Escherichia coli cells

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2004 Aug 3;101(31):11310-5. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0404443101. Epub 2004 Jul 26.

Abstract

We describe a method for tracking RNA molecules in Escherichia coli that is sensitive to single copies of mRNA, and, using the method, we find that individual molecules can be followed for many hours in living cells. We observe distinct characteristic dynamics of RNA molecules, all consistent with the known life history of RNA in prokaryotes: localized motion consistent with the Brownian motion of an RNA polymer tethered to its template DNA, free diffusion, and a few examples of polymer chain dynamics that appear to be a combination of chain fluctuation and chain elongation attributable to RNA transcription. We also quantify some of the dynamics, such as width of the displacement distribution, diffusion coefficient, chain elongation rate, and distribution of molecule numbers, and compare them with known biophysical parameters of the E. coli system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Diffusion
  • Escherichia coli / genetics*
  • Escherichia coli / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Bacterial / physiology*
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins
  • Indicators and Reagents / metabolism
  • Luminescent Proteins / genetics
  • Luminescent Proteins / metabolism
  • Microscopy, Fluorescence
  • Polymers / metabolism
  • RNA, Bacterial / metabolism*
  • RNA, Messenger / metabolism*
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Indicators and Reagents
  • Luminescent Proteins
  • Polymers
  • RNA, Bacterial
  • RNA, Messenger
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins
  • Green Fluorescent Proteins