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Updated: Feb 3, 2026
13:06
Analysis of Single-cell Gene Transcription by RNA Fluorescent In Situ Hybridization FISH
Published on: October 7, 2012
16.1K
Protein and RNA quantification of multiple genes in single cells.
Ibrahim Kays1, Brian Edwin Chen1,2
1Centre for Research in Neuroscience, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, Québec, H3G 1A4, Canada.
Biotechniques
|October 19, 2018
Summary
This study introduces a fast method for single-cell gene expression analysis, measuring both messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels simultaneously. It reveals significant gene expression variability even in identical cells.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genomics
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Cellular heterogeneity poses challenges in understanding tissue function.
- Existing single-cell gene expression profiling methods are often complex and equipment-intensive.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a streamlined method for simultaneous quantification of mRNA and protein levels in single cells.
- To investigate gene expression heterogeneity at both transcriptional and translational levels within individual cells.
Main Methods:
- Combined absolute mRNA quantification with protein expression level measurement in the same single cell.
- Utilized a previously established technique for single living cell protein quantification.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated high heterogeneity in both mRNA and protein expression for multiple genes, even in monoclonal cell populations.
- Established a rapid and straightforward approach for single-cell RNA and protein production profiling.
Conclusions:
- Single-cell analysis reveals significant transcriptional and translational heterogeneity.
- The developed method offers a simplified approach for comprehensive single-cell gene expression profiling.
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