The use of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction to analyse large numbers of mRNA species from a single cell

K M Toellner, D Scheel-Toellner, U Seitzer, R Sprenger, L Trümper, C Schlüter, H D Flad, J Gerdes

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

A PCR method is described for determining the expression of multiple heterogeneous mRNAs from single cells. The total mRNA pool of a single selected cell is subjected to reverse transcription and subsequent tailing with poly(dA). This cDNA is preamplified by a sequence non-specific PCR protocol using oligo(dT)-containing primers. The single cell cDNA library obtained permits the analysis of virtually unlimited numbers of mRNA species per cell using sequence-specific PCR. This procedure of multiple mRNA analysis enables phenotyping of any cell for its mRNA composition and could be used to study the cytokine mRNA expression of individual human T cells ex vivo. The method should greatly facilitate the analysis of combinatorial expression of known genes in any cell.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)71-5
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Immunological Methods
Volume191
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 10 May 1996

Keywords

  • RNA, Messenger
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • DNA, Complementary
  • Base Sequence
  • Leukocytes, Mononuclear
  • Humans
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Transcription, Genetic

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