A method for detecting single mRNA molecules in .

BACKGROUND

Despite advances in other model organisms, there are currently no techniques to explore cell-to-cell variation and sub-cellular localization of RNA molecules at the single-cell level in plants.

RESULTS

Here we describe a method for imaging individual mRNA molecules in root cells using multiple singly labeled oligonucleotide probes. We demonstrate detection of both mRNA and nascent transcripts of the housekeeping gene . Our image analysis pipeline also enables quantification of mRNAs that reveals the frequency distribution of transcripts per cell underlying the population mean.

CONCLUSION

This method allows single molecule RNA in situ to be exploited as a powerful tool for studying gene regulation in plants.