Single-cell Sampling
Single-cell Sampling - Related Videos
02:10
Single Cell Sampling Using Micromanipulation: A Technique to Isolate Single Cells from Cancer Cell Suspension
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2023
This video describes the technique for isolating single cells from a pool of target cells to carry out downstream analysis. In this method, a micromanipulator fitted to a microscope is used for high-precision isolation of a single target cell.
02:30
Single Cell Sampling Using Laser Capture Microdissection: A Technique to Harvest Target Cells from a Heterogeneous Cell Population
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2023
This video describes the technique for obtaining a single cell from a heterogeneous cell population using laser capture microdissection. The single isolated cell can be used for further genomic studies or cancer research.
08:07
Sample Preparation for Single Cell Mass Spectrometry Metabolomics Studies: Combined Cell Washing, Quenching, Drying, and Storage
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Cited by 1 •
2025
This protocol aims to preserve cell metabolites for single-cell mass spectrometry (SCMS) by combining volatile salt solution washing, rapid liquid nitrogen quenching, freeze-drying, and −8 °C storage. It demonstrates that liquid nitrogen quenching is essential for maintaining metabolite profiles, while prolonged cold storage should be minimized to prevent metabolic alterations.
07:21
Automated Sample Preparation for the Multiplexed Analysis of Single-Cell Histone Post-Translational Modifications (sc-hPTM2)
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Cited by 1 •
2025
Here, we present a protocol to automate single-cell histone post-translational modification analysis using an isotopic two-plex labeling strategy and ArgC digestion. This workflow enables quantitative, reproducible, and high-sensitivity profiling of chromatin heterogeneity and epigenetic responses at single-cell resolution.
05:58
Dissociation of Human and Mouse Tumor Tissue Samples for Single-cell RNA Sequencing
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Cited by 4 •
2024
This protocol outlines the procedure for rapidly dissociating human and mouse tumor samples for single-cell RNA sequencing.
FAQs
Analyzing cells individually preserves differences that disappear when measurements are averaged across a mixed population. This resolution can expose rare subpopulations and transient molecular states, allowing investigators to distinguish whether a biochemical signal is widespread or confined to particular cells. The result is a more specific view of cellular metabolism, signaling, disease mechanisms, and treatment response.
Micromanipulation and microfluidic devices support physical isolation, while flow-based sorting separates cells before analysis. Targeted lysis serves a different role by releasing the contents of a selected cell. These options connect cell capture with downstream biochemical measurements, providing alternative ways to obtain individual-cell material for analysis of proteins, metabolites, nucleic acids, or enzyme activity.
Each isolated sample contains extremely small amounts of material, making handling a central constraint rather than a minor technical detail. The recovered quantity must support extraction and measurement of proteins, metabolites, nucleic acids, or enzyme activity. Careful processing is therefore essential when preserving limited sample material for the intended biochemical assay and interpreting the resulting measurement.
After one cell or its contents has been captured, the material undergoes extraction and biochemical analysis. The selected workflow may measure proteins, metabolites, nucleic acids, or enzyme activity, depending on the research question. This sequence links an isolation step to a molecular or functional readout, enabling investigators to examine biochemical properties without combining signals from many cells.
It is most informative when averaging across a mixed population could hide rare subpopulations or transient molecular states. Individual measurements can separate cell-to-cell differences relevant to cellular metabolism, signaling, disease mechanisms, or treatment response. The method therefore suits questions about variation within a population, whereas a bulk assay is oriented toward a combined population-level signal.
Biochemical applications include examining cellular metabolism, signaling, disease mechanisms, and treatment response at the level of individual cells. Depending on the downstream assay, investigators can analyze proteins, metabolites, nucleic acids, or enzyme activity. These readouts help connect molecular composition or activity with heterogeneity, rather than treating every cell as if it had the same biochemical state.