Analysis of gene expression profiles using sequential hybridization

Abstract

This invention relates generally to analysis of gene expression profiles. In particular, the present invention provides a method for a method for analyzing gene expression profiles of a cell, which method comprises: a) providing for isolated mRNA or cDNA target sequences from a cell; b) sequentially hybridizing said isolated mRNA or cDNA target sequences with a plurality of nucleotide probes; and c) assessing the sequential hybridization between said isolated mRNA or cDNA target sequences and said plurality of nucleotide probes to analyze gene expression profiles of said cell. Systems for analyzing gene expression profiles are also provided. Optical devices for detecting hybridization signal are further provided.

1 . A system for analyzing gene expression profiles of a cell, which system comprises: 
 a) means for providing isolated mRNA or cDNA target sequences from a cell;    b) means for sequentially hybridizing said isolated mRNA or cDNA target sequences with a plurality of nucleotide probes; and    c) means for assessing the sequential hybridization between said isolated mRNA or cDNA target sequences and said plurality of nucleotide probes to analyze gene expression profiles of said cell.    
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising an instruction for using the means for analyzing gene expression profiles of a cell.  
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the means for assessing the sequential hybridization comprises an optical device comprising a light concentrator, a filter system and a photomultiplier tube (PMT) unit.  
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 1 , which further comprises integrated software to automate the system, robotic movement, optical detection, data acquisition, or humidity and temperature control of the system.  
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , comprising parallel processing of several systems.  
     
     
         6 . An optical device for detecting hybridization signal, which device comprises: 
 a) a microneedle comprising mRNA or cDNA target sequences immobilized on its tip and in optical connection with a light source;    b) a light concentrator;    c) a filter system; and    d) a photomultiplier tube (PMT) unit,    wherein in operation, hybridization of said mRNA or cDNA target sequences to a complementary probe brings a fluorescent label to the close proximity to said tip of said microneedle, provision of light to said tip from said light source generates fluorescent light from said tip, and said fluorescent light is reflected by said light concentrator to become parallel light passing through said filter system and detected by said PMT unit.    
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the hybridization of the mRNA or cDNA target sequences to a complementary probe brings different fluorescent labels to the close proximity to said tip of the microneedle, and the device further comprises optical means for separating said different fluorescent lights and means for detecting said separated fluorescent lights.  
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 6 , which further comprises data acquisition and/or processing means.