Multiplexing clonality: combining RGB marking and genetic barcoding

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

RGB marking and DNA barcoding are two cutting-edge technologies in the field of clonal cell marking. To combine the virtues of both approaches, we equipped LeGO vectors encoding red, green or blue fluorescent proteins with complex DNA barcodes carrying color-specific signatures. For these vectors, we generated highly complex plasmid libraries that were used for the production of barcoded lentiviral vector particles. In proof-of-principle experiments, we used barcoded vectors for RGB marking of cell lines and primary murine hepatocytes. We applied single-cell polymerase chain reaction to decipher barcode signatures of individual RGB-marked cells expressing defined color hues. This enabled us to prove clonal identity of cells with one and the same RGB color. Also, we made use of barcoded vectors to investigate clonal development of leukemia induced by ectopic oncogene expression in murine hematopoietic cells. In conclusion, by combining RGB marking and DNA barcoding, we have established a novel technique for the unambiguous genetic marking of individual cells in the context of normal regeneration as well as malignant outgrowth. Moreover, the introduction of color-specific signatures in barcodes will facilitate studies on the impact of different variables (e.g. vector type, transgenes, culture conditions) in the context of competitive repopulation studies.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere56
Number of pages10
JournalNucleic Acids Research
Volume42
Issue number7
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2014
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 84899013712
PubMed 24476916
PubMedCentral PMC3985654
ORCID /0000-0002-2524-1199/work/142251478
ORCID /0000-0002-5726-4491/work/153109646

Keywords

Keywords

  • Animals, Cells, Cultured, Clone Cells, Female, Genetic Vectors, HEK293 Cells, Humans, Leukemia/genetics, Liver Regeneration, Luminescent Proteins/genetics, Male, Mice, Mice, Inbred BALB C, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Receptor, trkA/genetics, Sequence Analysis, DNA, Single-Cell Analysis/methods, Transduction, Genetic