Single-Cell Genomics: From Research Tool to Clinical Laboratory Reality
This review in Clinical Chemistry traces the evolution of single-cell sequencing from its 2009 origins to emerging clinical applications, covering microbiology, neurobiology, cancer, and developmental biology. Commercial single-cell isolation platforms are now making the technology accessible to clinical laboratories. The paper outlines opportunities and challenges for translating single-cell genomics into routine diagnostic practice.
The original study
Single-Cell Genomics.
- Authors
- Paolillo C, Londin E, Fortina P
- Journal
- Clinical chemistry
- Type
- Historical Article, Journal Article, Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Review
- PMID
- 30872376
Original abstract
BACKGROUND: Single-cell genomics is an approach to investigate cell heterogeneity and to identify new molecular features correlated with clinical outcomes. This approach allows identification of the complexity of cell diversity in a sample without the loss of information that occurs when multicellular or bulk tissue samples are analyzed. CONTENT: The first single-cell RNA-sequencing study was published in 2009, and since then many more studies and single-cell sequencing methods have been published. These studies have had a major impact on several fields, including microbiology, neurobiology, cancer, and developmental biology. Recently, improvements in reliability and the development of commercial single-cell isolation platforms are opening the potential of this technology to the clinical laboratory. SUMMARY: In this review we provide an overview of the current state of single-cell genomics. We describe opportunities in clinical research and medical applications.