Objective

Understanding cell biology and future diagnostics both need highly resolving molecular tools for parallel analyses at levels of nucleic acids and proteins, even at the single cell level. Techniques like padlock, selector, unFold and ExCirc probes, from our lab provide opportunities to quantify or image very large numbers of DNA or RNA molecules with very high specificity. We also develop highly specific and sensitive method for digital detection of rare mutant DNA molecules, in order to monitor the progress of disease and of therapy. The nucleic acid analysis techniques are complemented by our protein detection methods for a fuller understanding of biological effects. Antibody-based proximity ligation or extension assays yield reporter DNA strands for every detected protein, permitting convenient, highly sensitive and specific recording of large sets of protein targets in a sample. The sensitivity of the assays permits multiplex protein measurements even in single cells, and we have demonstrated the added value of combining protein and RNA measurements in individual cells. The protein detection assays are also suitable to image proteins or protein interactions as they occur in fixed samples of cells and tissues.