A groundbreaking technology developed at MIT enables the rapid labeling of proteins across millions of individual cells in intact 3D tissues, revolutionizing tissue processing and opening new avenues for biological research.
Ultrafast Protein Labeling of Millions of Cells Made Possible by MIT Method
A Breakthrough in Tissue Processing Advances
A recent study published in Nature Biotechnology has demonstrated a revolutionary technology that enables the labeling of proteins across millions of individual cells in fully intact 3D tissues with unprecedented speed, uniformity, and versatility. The method, developed at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), allows researchers to richly label large tissue samples in just one day.
The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a private research university located in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Founded in 1861, MIT is one of the world's leading technological and scientific universities.
With over 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students, MIT offers more than 48 academic programs across five schools.
The institution is known for its innovative approach to education, with a strong focus on hands-on learning and interdisciplinary research.
MIT has produced numerous Nobel laureates, Turing Award winners, and astronauts.
Overcoming Technical Barriers
The team of scientists, led by associate professor Kwanghun Chung, overcame the technical barriers associated with labeling proteins in 3D tissues using a fundamentally new approach called ‘CuRVE.‘ This method resolves the speed mismatch between antibody binding and permeation throughout the tissue. To implement CuRVE, the researchers developed an implementation of this technology called ‘eFLASH,‘, which combines accelerated dispersion with continuously modifiable binding speed.
Unlocking New Research Possibilities
The eFLASH system has been successfully used to label over 60 different antibodies in cells across large tissue samples. Each specimen was labeled within a day, making it an ultra-fast speed for whole, intact organs. The uniform chemical processing of organ-scale tissues is now possible without the need for new optimization steps.
A Valuable Tool for Scientists
The eFLASH technology offers valuable visualizations and insights into protein expression in cells. By comparing antibody labeling with genetic labeling, researchers can gain a richer understanding of cellular protein expression. This approach can help scientists to better appreciate the functions that cells are performing or their response to disease or treatment.
Protein expression refers to the process by which cells produce and synthesize proteins.
This complex process involves transcription, translation, and post-translational modification.
During transcription, DNA is transcribed into 'messenger RNA (mRNA)', while during translation, mRNA is translated into a specific protein sequence.
Post-translational modifications can alter the protein's structure and function.
Protein expression is crucial for various cellular processes, including growth, differentiation, and response to environmental changes.
A Team Effort
The study’s lead authors, Dae Hee Yun and Young-Gyun Park, along with Kwanghun Chung, have made significant contributions to this breakthrough technology. The team’s work has been funded by several organizations, including the Burroughs Wellcome Fund, the Searle Scholars Program, and the National Institutes of Health.
Expanding Frontiers in Biological Research
The eFLASH technology has far-reaching implications for future research in biology, neuroscience, and related fields. It will enable scientists to gain a deeper understanding of cellular protein expression and its role in various biological processes. This breakthrough will undoubtedly lead to new discoveries and insights into the functions of cells in intact tissues.
Cellular protein expression is a complex process by which cells create proteins from genetic instructions.
It involves transcription, translation, and post-translational modification.
During transcription, DNA is transcribed into RNA, while translation involves the assembly of amino acids into polypeptide chains.
Post-translational modifications include folding, cutting, and attaching molecules to proteins.
This process is essential for cellular function, structure, and regulation.
Approximately 20,000-30,000 protein-coding genes are expressed in a human cell.
