Highly Resolved Detection of Long Non-coding RNAs In Situ.

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been postulated to function in a number of DNA-based processes, most notably transcription. The detection of lncRNAs in situ can offer insights into their function. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) enables the detection of specific nucleic acid sequences, including lncRNAs, within individual cells.

Conversion of random X-inactivation to imprinted X-inactivation by maternal PRC2.

Imprinted X-inactivation silences genes exclusively on the paternally-inherited X-chromosome and is a paradigm of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance in mammals. Here, we test the role of maternal vs. zygotic Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) protein EED in orchestrating imprinted X-inactivation in mouse embryos.

The Drosophila model system to study tau action.

The fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, is a powerful model system for applying molecular, cellular, and genetic approaches to understanding human tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease. Here, we provide an introduction to using Drosophila as a tauopathy model system and describe several protocols that we use to analyze human tau protein expressed in flies. Methods to detect tau expression include light and scanning electron microscopy in the fly eye, confocal microscopy of primary neuronal cultures, and preparation of tissue homogenates for separation by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with analysis by Western blotting.