Come trace the mRNA with Juliana! The PhD student at our institute gives us exciting insights into her routine performing the method “RNAscope”. Localizing the messenger RNA (mRNA) enables her to find brain areas sensitive to specific hormones. Specific mRNAs contain the genetic sequence for receptor proteins which will receive specific hormones. Localizing the mRNA thus leads her to find cells that use these hormone receptors. But what is so interesting about hormones? Juliana studies how hormones help birds to adapt to changes in the environment such as different seasons. Hormones are one key factor in this adaptive behavior.
