A genetically encoded device for transcriptome storage in mammalian cells

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…