Tunable gene expression in zebrafish using RiboSCALE

Abstract

Chemogenetic tools enable conditional control of gene expression during embryonic development and regeneration. However, many conditional tools induce constitutive or one-way activity precluding temporal resolution of gene function or require the use of multiple transgenic lines. We developed an RNA-based chemogenetic approach to induce gene expression in zebrafish embryos and larvae. We demonstrate that a gene of interest can be turned on in a time-dependent and concentration-dependent manner. Using this approach, we have characterized two different aptamers for future investigation.