Imaging individual mRNA molecules using multiple singly labeled probes

Nat Methods. 2008 Oct;5(10):877-9. doi: 10.1038/nmeth.1253. Epub 2008 Sep 21.

Abstract

We describe a method for imaging individual mRNA molecules in fixed cells by probing each mRNA species with 48 or more short, singly labeled oligonucleotide probes. This makes each mRNA molecule visible as a computationally identifiable fluorescent spot by fluorescence microscopy. We demonstrate simultaneous detection of three mRNA species in single cells and mRNA detection in yeast, nematodes, fruit fly wing discs, and mammalian cell lines and neurons.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Caenorhabditis elegans / genetics
  • Drosophila melanogaster / genetics
  • In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
  • Mammals
  • Molecular Probes*
  • RNA, Messenger / chemistry*
  • RNA, Messenger / genetics

Substances

  • Molecular Probes
  • RNA, Messenger