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Regulated mRNA Transport

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In eukaryotes, transcription and translation are compartmentalized; an mRNA is first synthesized in the nucleus and then selectively transported to the cytoplasm for protein synthesis. Before transport, a pre-mRNA undergoes several steps of post-transcriptional modifications including splicing, 5' capping, and the addition of a poly-adenine tail. Various proteins bind to the pre-mRNA during these modifications. The mRNA transport takes place with the help of multiple proteins playing...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Optical Trapping of Nanoparticles

Optical Trapping of Nanoparticles

Published on: January 15, 2013

Single-cell mRNA cytometry via sequence-specific nanoparticle clustering and trapping.

Mahmoud Labib¹, Reza M Mohamadi¹, Mahla Poudineh¹

¹Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.

Nature Chemistry

|April 4, 2018

Summary

This study introduces single-cell mRNA cytometry, a new method to isolate rare circulating tumor cells from blood. This technique allows for precise RNA analysis at the single-cell level without PCR amplification.

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Last Updated: Feb 12, 2026

Optical Trapping of Nanoparticles

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Published on: January 15, 2013

Multiplexed Single Cell mRNA Sequencing Analysis of Mouse Embryonic Cells

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Published on: January 7, 2020

Sequencing of mRNA from Whole Blood using Nanopore Sequencing

Sequencing of mRNA from Whole Blood using Nanopore Sequencing

Published on: June 3, 2019

Area of Science:

Molecular Biology
Cell Biology
Biotechnology

Background:

Cell-to-cell variation in gene expression necessitates single-cell analysis techniques.
Characterizing rare circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is crucial for understanding subtyping and drug resistance.

Purpose of the Study:

To develop and present a novel method for isolating and analyzing rare cells, specifically CTCs, from whole blood.
To enable the detection of specific mRNA sequences within individual cells for diagnostic and research purposes.

Main Methods:

Single-cell mRNA cytometry utilizes two types of magnetic particles labeled for selective hybridization with target mRNA sequences.
Hybridization forms magnetic clusters within cells, allowing for magnetic separation of target cells.
This method allows for direct RNA expression level and genotype determination without polymerase chain reaction amplification.

Main Results:

Single-cell mRNA cytometry successfully isolates rare cells from whole blood based on target mRNA sequences.
The technique distinguishes circulating tumor cells from normal hematopoietic cells by targeting intracellular mRNAs.
The method was demonstrated by detecting clinically relevant sequences in prostate cancer specimens.

Conclusions:

Single-cell mRNA cytometry is an effective method for isolating and analyzing rare cells, such as CTCs, directly from blood.
The technique offers a sensitive and efficient approach for RNA expression analysis at the single-cell level with minimal manipulation.
This method has potential applications in cancer diagnostics and personalized medicine, particularly for prostate cancer.