Science Advances · 9 October 2026 · From issue 50
Real-time single-molecule imaging in zebrafish embryos uncovers noncanonical translation
In zebrafish embryos, only some copies of a key gene's instructions get used to make protein at once.
Maëlle Bellec, Jie Liang et al.
Scientists watched single protein-making events happen live inside zebrafish embryos. They used glowing tags to follow one gene's messenger instructions as they were turned into protein. Only some copies of these instructions were being used at any moment, which helps explain why protein output stays limited. The gene also had a backup way to start making protein that skips a step most genes need.
Shows that only some gene copies get read at once, limiting protein output during development.
Zebrafish embryos only, one gene studied, lab method only.
Integrity screen: passed (3 checks) Checked 14 October 2026. Retraction record: none. DOI resolves at doi.org. Metadata record found (Science Advances). Read the source
This screen checks process signals. It does not tell you the findings are true.