Dynamics of single-cell gene expression

Mol Syst Biol. 2006:2:64. doi: 10.1038/msb4100110. Epub 2006 Nov 28.

Abstract

Cellular behavior has traditionally been investigated by utilizing bulk-scale methods that measure average values for a population of cells. Such population-wide studies mask the behavior of individual cells and are often insufficient for characterizing biological processes in which cellular heterogeneity plays a key role. A unifying theme of many recent studies has been a focus on the development and utilization of single-cell experimental techniques that are capable of probing key biological phenomena in individual living cells. Recently, novel information about gene expression dynamics has been obtained from single-cell experiments that draw upon the unique capabilities of fluorescent reporter proteins.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Bacillus subtilis / cytology*
  • Cells / metabolism*
  • Escherichia coli / cytology*
  • Gene Expression Regulation*
  • Microfluidics