Broad and MIT describe repeatable live-cell transcriptome method

Researchers at the Broad Institute and MIT described a live-cell transcriptomic method that lets engineered mammalian cells package cellular RNA into virus-like particles released into surrounding culture medium. Sampling and sequencing that medium can track gene activity repeatedly without destroying the cells. The team demonstrated the approach in human cell lines, stem-cell-derived neurons, primary donor cells, spheroids and organ-on-a-chip devices. The researchers are still working to make the method feasible for single-cell studies.