Yachie Lab unveils a time-reversing system that allows scientists to isolate cell clones destined for important future roles
Congratulations to Drs. Nozomu Yachie and Soh Ishiguro on their recent publication in Nature Biotechnology titled A multi-kingdom genetic barcoding system for precise clone isolation.
This groundbreaking study introduces CloneSelect, a powerful tool developed by the Yachie Lab, to trace and isolate rare, important cell clones, before they reveal their significance. In essence, the team has created a “time-reversing” system that gives researchers the ability to go back and retrieve the cells that will matter most in the future.
“A significant fundamental issue in life science research is that rare cells within an initial cell population often appear to play essential roles at later or recurring stages of diseases, such as cancer,” says Dr. Nozomu Yachie. “When we realize the importance of such rare cells, the initial cell population is often no longer accessible, preventing analysis of their original states. CloneSelect solves this problem.”
CloneSelect works across a broad range of organisms, including human stem cells, mouse cells, yeast, and bacteria—and is compatible with advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing. This flexibility allows researchers to “rewind time” and zero in on crucial cells from complex populations, enabling breakthroughs in cancer research, stem cell biology, gene synthesis, and more.
How It Works:
Cells are first tagged with unique DNA barcodes. The barcoded population is then expanded, and a portion is used in experiments. The reminder is frozen and stored for later. If a particular barcode is later linked to a cell of interest—based on its behavior or characteristics, CloneSelect uses CRISPR-based base editing to activate a fluorescent protein reporter expression and isolate cells having the same barcode from the frozen stock. The live clone can then be studied further, using omics tools or to rebuild synthetic populations.
“We are particularly excited about establishing this technology,” adds Dr. Soh Ishiguro. “Its potential applications are diverse and continue to inspire us to develop new types of experiments that were previously impossible.”
By offering a way to identify and recover cells before they demonstrate their importance, CloneSelect is poised to transform how scientists understand diseases and develop future therapies.