Measurement of single-cell dynamics

• Published in: Nature (London) Vol. 465; no. 7299; pp. 736 - 745
• Main Authors: White, Michael R. H, Spiller, David G, Wood, Christopher D, Rand, David A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London Nature Publishing Group UK 10.06.2010; Nature Publishing Group
• Subjects: 631/1647/2204/1453; 631/443; 631/80/86; Analysis; Apoptosis; Cell Differentiation; Cell Physiological Phenomena - genetics; Cell Physiological Phenomena - physiology; Cell surface antigens; Cells; Circadian rhythm; Cytological Techniques - methods; Humanities and Social Sciences; Kinases; Mathematical models; Measurement; Microfluidics - methods; multidisciplinary; Nucleotide sequence; Plasticity; Protein Binding; Protein Transport; Proteins; review-article; Science; Science (multidisciplinary); Signal Transduction; Technological change; Transcription, Genetic; United Kingdom
• ISSN: 0028-0836; 1476-4687
• DOI: 10.1038/nature09232

Populations of cells are almost always heterogeneous in function and fate. To understand the plasticity of cells, it is vital to measure quantitatively and dynamically the molecular processes that underlie cell-fate decisions in single cells. Early events in cell signalling often occur within seconds of the stimulus, whereas intracellular signalling processes and transcriptional changes can take minutes or hours. By contrast, cell-fate decisions, such as whether a cell divides, differentiates or dies, can take many hours or days. Multiparameter experimental and computational methods that integrate quantitative measurement and mathematical simulation of these noisy and complex processes are required to understand the highly dynamic mechanisms that control cell plasticity and fate.