Method for Classification of Cells Based on Gene Expression

Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed methodology to characterize global gene expression within a single cell nucleus. It is envisioned that this technology will be applicable to the diagnosis of disease states in tissue or organ biopsies. It will provide signature expression patterns of normal and diseased tissue. A comprehensive image of gene expression should be particularly useful in prognosis and treatment of malignancies.
 

Applications:

• Diagnosis of malignancies
• Determination of disease progression
• Applicable to diagnosis of disease states in tissue or organ biopsies, providing signature expression patterns of normal and diseased tissue.

Advantages:

• Global gene expression is obtained within single nuclei, which are easier to obtain from tissue than are single cells
• Abnormal and neighboring normal cells can be differentially targeted
• Validated in plant and mammalian cells