Random Fluctuations in mRNA Production in Mammalian Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Raj Arjun, Peskin Charles S, Tranchina Daniel, Vargas Diana Y, Tyagi Sanjay
Primary Institution: Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences, New York University
Hypothesis
What causes variations in mRNA levels among genetically identical mammalian cells?
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that mRNA production in mammalian cells occurs in random bursts, leading to significant variations in expression levels among individual cells.
Supporting Evidence
- Cells with active transcription sites had an average of 244 mRNA molecules, while those without had only 33.
- The mean number of mRNA molecules per cell was approximately 40, with a variance of about 1,600.
- Transcriptional bursts were observed in both engineered and natural genes.
- Gene activation events were found to be infrequent and random.
Takeaway
Sometimes, even identical cells can make different amounts of stuff, like proteins, because they turn on and off their instructions (mRNA) randomly.
Methodology
The researchers used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to count individual mRNA molecules in mammalian cells.
Limitations
The study primarily focuses on a specific reporter gene and may not fully represent all genes in mammalian cells.
Participant Demographics
Mammalian cells, specifically Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.0001
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p < 0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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