New methods of single-cell analysis in research and diagnostics

作者：Geigl J^*; Speicher M

来源：Medizinische Genetik, 2008, 20(4): 407-415.

DOI：10.1007/s11825-008-0138-3

• Single-cell analysis
• Unbiased whole-genome amplification
• Comparative genomic hybridization (CGH)
• Copy number variation (CNV)
• Resolution limits

Traditional cytogenetics is a paradigm for single-cell diagnostics; after a banding procedure, each metaphase examined represents the analysis of an entire genome of a cell, albeit at a low resolution. For several decades, this single-cell character has represented an important distinction in molecular genetics technologies, which are mostly based on DNA or RNA extracted from hundreds or thousands of cells. However, many essential questions can be addressed only by analyzing cells on the level of fewer or single cells. In the last few years, new single-cell techniques have been developed with the aim to simultaneously examine more regions with improved resolution. In this overview we summarize the most important recent developments and changes.

• 出版日期2008-12