Single-Cell Analysis – News and Features

At Helmholtz Zentrum München, a method of targeted RNA sequencing (transcriptome analysis) has now been developed, which precisely detects the smallest amounts of gene transcripts in single cells.

In a study led by the University of Michigan, researchers have created a high-resolution picture of the cells at work inside a key hub of metabolism—the liver—and how individual cell types are reprogrammed in disease.

Scientists have devised a new computational method that reveals genetic patterns in the massive jumble of individual cells in the body.

Advanced computer models of diseases can be used to improve diagnosis and treatment. The goal is to develop the models to "digital twins" of individual patients. Those twins may help to computationally identify and try the best medication, before actually treating a patient.

Scientists have identified a new type of cell called a hepatobiliary hybrid progenitor (HHyP), that forms during our early development in the womb. Surprisingly, HHyP also persists in small quantities in adults and these cells can grow into the two main cell types of the adult liver (Hepatocytes and Cholangiocytes) giving HHyPs stem cell-like properties.

Researchers at the University of California, Davis have now traced the fate of hydra's cells, revealing how three lines of stem cells become nerves, muscles or other tissues.

The epigenome plays a crucial role in the development of breast cancer. This exciting and rapidly evolving area of research holds great promise for new interventions – from prevention through to personalized treatment.

We recently spoke with Eric Hobbs, CEO at Berkeley Lights to learn more about "digital cell biology". Eric also describes how optofluidics can be used to gain fast, comprehensive measurements and insights across thousands of cells in parallel.

Despite the immense importance of the liver for human health, the diversity of individual liver cell types and the associated molecular and cellular processes in both healthy and diseased tissue have not yet been fully investigated, until now.

An open-source RNA analysis platform, Drop-seq, has recently been applied successfully in plant cells for the first time. We spoke with Christine Shulse, PhD, from the DOE Joint Genome Institute to learn more about this innovative breakthrough and its potential applications.