Single-molecule tracking (SMT): a window into live-cell transcription biochemistry
Liza Dahal, Nike Walther, Robert Tjian, Xavier Darzacq, Thomas G.W. Graham
Abstract
How molecules interact governs how they move. Single-molecule tracking (SMT) thus provides a unique window into the dynamic interactions of biomolecules within live cells. Using transcription regulation as a case study, we describe how SMT works, what it can tell us about molecular biology, and how it has changed our perspective on the inner workings of the nucleus. We also describe what SMT cannot yet tell us and how new technical advances seek to overcome its limitations. This ongoing progress will be imperative to address outstanding questions about how dynamic molecular machines function in live cells.
Topics & Concepts
Computational biologyFunction (biology)Transcription factorComputer scienceTranscription (linguistics)BiomoleculeTracking (education)BiologyNanotechnologyCell biologyGeneGeneticsMaterials scienceLinguisticsPhilosophyPsychologyPedagogyAdvanced Fluorescence Microscopy TechniquesSingle-cell and spatial transcriptomicsAdvanced biosensing and bioanalysis techniques