Real-Time Observation of Localization and Expression (ROLEX) System for Live Imaging of the Transcriptional Activity and Nuclear Position of a Specific Endogenous Gene

Abstract

Long genomic DNA is folded in a cell-type-specific manner and stored in the cell nucleus. The higher-order structure of genomic DNA is thought to be important for DNA transcription, repair, and replication. Recent advancements in live cell imaging techniques that enable the labeling of specific genomic loci and RNA have made it possible to capture the dynamic relationships between higher-order genomic structure and gene expression. We have established the real-time observation of localization and expression (ROLEX) system for live imaging of the transcriptional state and nuclear position of a specific endogenous gene. In this chapter, I will introduce the detailed protocol of ROLEX imaging in mouse embryonic stem cells.