Single Cell Diagnostics

Single Cell Diagnostics: Methods and Protocols 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. The authors, all leading§scientists in the field, provide current and innovative methods for§extracting useful, accurate, and reliable data from single-cell§samples. The stepwise, technically precise protocols presented in this§volume thoroughly describe single-cell assays, from material collection§and isolation of cells to data interpretation. Cell-types analyzed§include embryonic blastomeres, fibroblasts, and lymphocytes. Among the§techniques described are real-time quantitative PCR, isothermal whole§genome amplification, comparative genomic hybridization, real-time§genetic expression analysis, and the production of RNA and cDNA§libraries. This handbook will be essential for researchers and§clinicians, and practitioners providing care for couples seeking§treatment for infertility or preimplantation genetic diagnosis.