Computer-aided design of reversible hybridization chain reaction (CAD-HCR) enables multiplexed single-cell spatial proteomics imaging.

In situ spatial proteomics analysis of a single cell has not been achieved yet, mainly because of insufficient throughput and sensitivity of current techniques. Recent progress on immuno-nucleic acid amplification technology presents tremendous opportunities to address this issue. Here, we report an innovative hybridization chain reaction (HCR) technique that involves computer-aided design (CAD) and reversible assembly.

Nondestructive analysis of tumor-associated membrane protein MUC1 in living cells based on dual-terminal amplification of a DNA ternary complex.

Non-destructive analysis of cells at the molecular level is of critical importance for cell research. At present, immunoassay-based and aptamer-based methods can achieve non-structural destructive cell analysis, but still lead to changes in cells at the molecular level. Here, we have proposed a dual-terminal amplification (DTA) strategy, which enables nondestructive analysis of membrane protein MUC1 without the effect on protein expression and cell viability in living cells.