Reversible Crosslinking to Preserve Cell-Specific Gene Expression Across Biospheres

This invention includes chemical methods and reagents to reversibly immobilize the cellular state of gene expression in the field followed by the release of the immobilization in the laboratory for analysis of the gene expression state. Support for this invention was provided by CALS via the Hatch allocation. 

Background: 
Characterization of single-cell gene expression from plants is a crucial technology for the improvement of agricultural crops. Current laboratory methods are incompatible with field studies because the time between sampling plants and laboratory analysis changes the patterns of gene expression.

Applications: 

• Laboratory analysis of field study plants
• Reversible crosslinking for gene expression
• Preservable and cell-specific gene expression across biospheres

Advantages: 

• Crosslinking agents have highly diverse applications
• May reduce the amount of in-situ field equipment required
• Reduces the effect of time on plants between field sampling and laboratory analysis