New technique tracks gene activity over time in living cells

A team of scientists has unveiled a novel technique that allows cells to package and release their own RNA, permitting researchers to sequence and analyze the genetic material without destroying the cells. The method leverages the natural exosomal pathway, coaxing cells to export RNA in vesicles that can be collected from the culture medium and subjected to high‑throughput sequencing.

By preserving cell viability, the approach enables longitudinal studies of gene expression in the same population of cells, facilitating real‑time monitoring of cellular responses to drugs, environmental changes, or disease processes. Early experiments demonstrate comparable transcriptome coverage to conventional bulk RNA‑seq while maintaining cell health for subsequent assays. The development is expected to accelerate research in fields such as oncology, immunology and regenerative medicine, where repeated sampling of living cells is essential.