Protein and RNA Quantification of Multiple Genes in Single Cells

Abstract

Single-cell analysis overcomes the problems of cellular heterogeneity by revealing the individual differences between cells in tissue. The current tools used to profile gene expression at the single-cell level are arduous and often require specialized equipment. We have previously developed a technique to quantify protein expression levels in single living cells. Here, we combine quantification of protein expression with absolute measurement of mRNA amounts of the same gene in the same cell, to profile the expression of genes at the transcriptional and translational levels. We show that high heterogeneity exists at both the mRNA and protein levels for multiple genes, even among monoclonal cells. We demonstrate a rapid, straightforward approach to single-cell profiling of RNA and protein production.