Single Cell Diagnostics

This book applies modern molecular diagnostic techniques to the analysis of single cells, small numbers of cells, or cell extracts. Emphasis is placed on non-invasive analysis of single cell metabolites and the direct analysis of RNA and DNA from single cells, with a focus on polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in situ hybridization. In particular, this handbook is essential for practitioners providing care for couples seeking treatment for infertility.Single Cell Diagnostics: Methods and Protocols applies modernmolecular diagnostic techniques to the analysis of single cells, smallnumbers of cells, or cell extracts. Emphasis is placed on non-invasiveanalysis of single cell metabolites and the direct analysis of RNA andDNA from single cells, with a focus on polymerase chain reaction andfluorescence in situ hybridization. The authors, all leadingscientists in the field, provide current and innovative methods forextracting useful, accurate, and reliable data from single-cellsamples. The stepwise, technically precise protocols presented in thisvolume thoroughly describe single-cell assays, from material collectionand isolation of cells to data interpretation. Cell-types analyzedinclude embryonic blastomeres, fibroblasts, and lymphocytes. Among thetechniques described are real-time quantitative PCR, isothermal wholegenome amplification, comparative genomic hybridization, real-timegenetic expression analysis, and the production of RNA and cDNAlibraries. This handbook will be essential for researchers andclinicians, and practitioners providing care for couples seekingtreatment for infertility or preimplantation genetic diagnosis.