Cell lineage recorders
Lineage recorders are molecular tools that the researchers use to track how cells divide, build tissues, and change over time. By introducing artificial DNA barcodes or editing sites into cells—often via CRISPR-Cas9 or prime editing—these tools accumulate stable mutations or sequential insertions that map out an organism’s cellular family tree.
Lineage recorders are extensively used in cancer evolution research, as well as in developmental biology and organoid engineering.
Taxonomy of lineage recorders:
Barcode-Based and Static Recorders
- Exogenous synthetic barcodes: Plasmids or viral integrations carrying fixed random DNA sequences that mark clones upon division.
- Recombinase-based switchers: Utilizes site-specific recombinases (like Cre or Dre) to stochasticallyLog in with DiscordSupport BrinedewContinue to read the draft.
Log in and become a supporter to read the full article.
Become a supporter to read the full article.