How is fpkm related to protein level?

Question

[ximi]

I am quite new to RNA-seq. I downloaded the fmpk data from Allen Institute cell type database, trying to find genes for proteins that I am intereted. The dataset is from a collection of cells but measured using single cell RNA-seq. I wonder whether it is reseasonable to use fmpk numberical numbers as an estimate of protein level? 

Thanks.

Answer 1

[Istvan Albert]

FPKMs are correlated with but not directly connectable to protein levels. Hence on a large scale I think you will find strong correlations but substantial variations may exists for each individual transcript.

Answer 2

[h.mon]

Protein and mRNA levels are generally (moderately) positively correlated, but there is a lot of variation and correlation may range from negative to absent to positive. Search google scholar for mrna protein correlation and you will find plenty of papers exploring the issue;