Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
09:18
Using Microfluidic Devices to Measure Lifespan and Cellular Phenotypes in Single Budding Yeast Cells
Published on: March 30, 2017
Microfluidics device for single cell gene expression analysis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
James Ryley1, Olivia M Pereira-Smith
1University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Ageing Studies, Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, San Antonio, TX 78245-3207, USA. james@ryley.com
Yeast (Chichester, England)
|November 4, 2006
Summary
This study introduces a microfluidics flow cell for single-cell gene expression analysis in yeast. The novel system reveals significant gene expression variability between individual yeast cells over time.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Molecular Biology
- Yeast Genetics
Background:
- Previous single-cell yeast studies relied on methods like micromanipulation or Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorting (FACS).
- These methods have limitations, including agar use or inability to track cells over extended periods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and utilize a microfluidics-based flow cell for precise, long-term single-cell gene expression analysis in yeast.
- To quantify gene expression variability within and between individual yeast cells over time.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a microfluidic flow cell with PDMS (polydimethylsiloxane) "yeast jails" to trap individual yeast cells.
- Visualization of gene expression using fluorescently-tagged proteins (HSP104-GFP and RAS2-YFP).
- Quantitative fluorescence microscopy compatible with the flow cell system for simultaneous measurements on numerous cells.
Main Results:
- The microfluidics system eliminates the need for agar and micromanipulation, offering superior optical properties.
- It allows for tracking individual yeast cells over many hours, overcoming FACS limitations.
- Demonstrated significant inter-cell variation in the expression of HSP104 and RAS2 genes.
Conclusions:
- The developed microfluidics flow cell enables high-resolution, time-resolved single-cell gene expression analysis in yeast.
- This technology reveals previously undetectable gene expression heterogeneity crucial for understanding yeast lifespan and cellular processes.
