A genetically encoded device for transcriptome storage in mammalian cells
Summary
Understanding how cells make decisions over time requires the ability to link past molecular states to future phenotypic outcomes. We present TimeVault, a genetically encoded system that records and stores transcriptomes within living mammalian cells for future readout. TimeVault leverages engineered vault particles that capture messenger RNA through polyadenosine poly (A)-binding protein. We demonstrate that the transcriptome stored by TimeVaults is stable in living cells for more than 7
Content
# A genetically encoded device for transcriptome storage in mammalian cells
*Published: 2026 Mar 26*
Understanding how cells make decisions over time requires the ability to link
past molecular states to future phenotypic outcomes. We present TimeVault, a
genetically encoded system that records and stores transcriptomes within living
mammalian cells for future readout. TimeVault leverages engineered vault
particles that capture messenger RNA through polyadenosine [poly (A)]-binding
protein. We demonstrate that the transcriptome stored by TimeVaults is stable in
living cells for more than 7 days. TimeVault enables high-fidelity
transcriptome-wide recording with minimal cellular perturbation, capturing
transient stress responses and revealing gene expression changes underlying
drug-naïve persister states in lung cancer cells that evade epidermal growth
factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition. By linking past and present cellular states,
TimeVault provides a powerful tool for decoding how cells respond to stress,
make fate decisions, and resist therapy.
DOI: 10.1126/science.adz9353