In situ genotyping of a pooled strain library after characterizing complex phenotypes

So far, it has not been possible to perform advanced microscopy on pool generated strain libraries and at the same time know each strain’s genotype. We have overcome this barrier by identifying the genotypes for individual cells in situ after a detailed characterization of the phenotype. The principle is demonstrated by single molecule fluorescence imaging of E. coli strains harboring barcoded plasmids that express a sgRNA which suppress different genes through dCas9.