Validating Transcripts with Probes and Imaging Technology

High-throughput gene expression screens provide a quantitative picture of the average expression signature of biological samples. However, the analysis of spatial gene expression patterns with single-cell resolution requires quantitative in situ measurement techniques. Here we describe recent technological advances in RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) techniques that facilitate detection of individual fluorescently labeled mRNA molecules of practically any endogenous gene. These methods, which are based on advances in probe design, imaging technology and image processing, enable the absolute measurement of transcript abundance in individual cells with single-molecule resolution.National Cancer Institute (U.S.). Physical Sciences-Oncology Center (U54CA143874)National Institutes of Health (U.S.) (Pioneer award 1DP1OD003936

Revisiting respiratory syncytial virus\u27s interaction with host immunity, towards novel therapeutics

Every year there are \u3e 33 million cases of Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)-related respiratory infection in children under the age of five, making RSV the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) in infants. RSV is a global infection, but 99% of related mortality is in low/middle-income countries. Unbelievably, 62 years after its identification, there remains no effective treatment nor vaccine for this deadly virus, leaving infants, elderly and immunocompromised patients at high risk. The success of all pathogens depends on their ability to evade and modulate the host immune response. RSV has a complex and intricate relationship with our immune systems, but a clearer understanding of these interactions is essential in the development of effective medicines. Therefore, in a bid to update and focus our research community\u27s understanding of RSV\u27s interaction with immune defences, this review aims to discuss how our current knowledgebase could be used to combat this global viral threat