Optogenetic control of mRNA localization and translation in live cells

Numerous efforts have been made toward the goal of visualizing the spatiotemporal dynamics of single mRNA molecules, yet our capacity for precisely controlling their functions lags behind. Here, we present an optogenetic approach for manipulating the localization and translation of specific mRNAs in live cells. Our technique combines blue light-responsive protein-protein interactions with mRNA visualization modules to robustly and reversibly generate protein clusters that can trap specific mRNA molecules. This sequestration reduces the binding chance of mRNAs with ribosomes, thereby dramatically attenuating protein synthesis