Single cell gene expression analysis of pluripotent stem cells.

Analyzing gene expression profiles from cells en masse provides an average profile for the population which may obscure differences in individual cells. Using an optimized workflow for qRT-PCR, gene expression profiles of undifferentiated pluripotent stem cells reveal distinct gene expression profiles for individual cells, and a large expression level range of almost every gene. Importantly, this technique allows for the identification and characterization of small subpopulations.