Protocol for single-molecule imaging of transcription and epigenetic factors in human neural stem cell-derived neurons

STAR Protoc. 2024 Dec 20;5(4):103432. doi: 10.1016/j.xpro.2024.103432. Epub 2024 Nov 1.

Abstract

Single-molecule imaging (SMI) is a powerful approach to quantify the spatiotemporal dynamics of transcription in living cells. Here, we describe a protocol of SMI for transcription and epigenetic factors in human cortical neurons derived from embryonic stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells. Specifically, we detail the procedures for neural stem cell culture, gene transfer, microscopy, and data analysis. This protocol can be applied to the study of transcription dynamics in response to various cellular stimuli. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Atsumi et al.1.

Keywords: Cell culture; Microscopy; Neuroscience; Single-molecule Assays.

MeSH terms

  • Cell Differentiation / genetics
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Epigenesis, Genetic* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / cytology
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Neural Stem Cells* / cytology
  • Neural Stem Cells* / metabolism
  • Neurons* / cytology
  • Neurons* / metabolism
  • Single Molecule Imaging* / methods
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transcription, Genetic / genetics

Substances

  • Transcription Factors