Single-Cell Sequencing Technologies: Current and Future

Intensively developed in the last few years, single-cell sequencing technologies now present numerous advantages over traditional sequencing methods for solving the problems of biological heterogeneity and low quantities of available biological materials. The application of single-cell sequencing technologies has profoundly changed our understanding of a series of biological phenomena, including gene transcription, embryo development, and carcinogenesis. However, before single-cell sequencing technologies can be used extensively, researchers face the serious challenge of overcoming inherent issues of high amplification bias, low accuracy and repro- ducibility. Here, we simply summarize the techniques used for single-cell isolation, and review the current technologies used in single-cell genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic sequencing, We discuss the merits, defects, and scope of application of single-cell sequencing technologies and then speculate on the direction of future developments.

Mapping of de novo mutations in primary biliary cholangitis to a disease-specific co-expression network underlying homeostasis and metabolism

Primary biliary cholangitis(PBC) is an autoimmune disease involving dysregulation of a broad array of homeostatic and metabolic processes. Although considerable single-nucleotide polymorphisms have been unveiled, a large fraction of risk factors remains enigmatic. Candidate genes with rare mutations that tend to confer more deleterious effects need to be identified. To help pinpoint cellular and developmental mechanisms beyond common noncoding variants, we integrate whole exome sequencing with integrative network analysis to investigate genes harboring de novo mutations. Prominent convergence has been revealed on a network of disease-specific co-expression comprised of 55 genes associated with homeostasis and metabolism. The transcription factor gene MEF2 D and the DNA repair gene PARP2 are highlighted as hub genes and identified to be up-and down-regulated, respectively, in peripheral blood data set. Enrichment analysis demonstrates that altered expression of MEF2 D and PARP2 may trigger a series of molecular and cellular processes with pivotal roles in PBC pathophysiology. Our study identifies genes with de novo mutations in PBC and suggests that a subset of genes in homeostasis and metabolism tend to act in synergy through converging on co-expression network, providing novel insights into the etiology of PBC and expanding the pool of molecular candidates for discovering clinically actionable biomarkers.