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Ren L, Huang D, Liu H, Ning L, Cai P, Yu X, Zhang Y, Luo N, Lin H, Su J, Zhang Y. Applications of single‑cell omics and spatial transcriptomics technologies in gastric cancer (Review). Oncol Lett 2024; 27:152. [PMID: 38406595 PMCID: PMC10885005 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a prominent contributor to global cancer-related mortalities, and a deeper understanding of its molecular characteristics and tumor heterogeneity is required. Single-cell omics and spatial transcriptomics (ST) technologies have revolutionized cancer research by enabling the exploration of cellular heterogeneity and molecular landscapes at the single-cell level. In the present review, an overview of the advancements in single-cell omics and ST technologies and their applications in GC research is provided. Firstly, multiple single-cell omics and ST methods are discussed, highlighting their ability to offer unique insights into gene expression, genetic alterations, epigenomic modifications, protein expression patterns and cellular location in tissues. Furthermore, a summary is provided of key findings from previous research on single-cell omics and ST methods used in GC, which have provided valuable insights into genetic alterations, tumor diagnosis and prognosis, tumor microenvironment analysis, and treatment response. In summary, the application of single-cell omics and ST technologies has revealed the levels of cellular heterogeneity and the molecular characteristics of GC, and holds promise for improving diagnostics, personalized treatments and patient outcomes in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Ren
- School of Healthcare Technology, Chengdu Neusoft University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611844, P.R. China
| | - Danni Huang
- Department of Radiology, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou People's Hospital, Haikou, Hainan 570208, P.R. China
| | - Hongjiang Liu
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Aba Teachers College, Aba, Sichuan 624099, P.R. China
| | - Lin Ning
- School of Healthcare Technology, Chengdu Neusoft University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611844, P.R. China
| | - Peiling Cai
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610106, P.R. China
| | - Xiaolong Yu
- Hainan Yazhou Bay Seed Laboratory, Sanya Nanfan Research Institute, Material Science and Engineering Institute of Hainan University, Sanya, Hainan 572025, P.R. China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, P.R. China
| | - Nanchao Luo
- School of Computer Science and Technology, Aba Teachers College, Aba, Sichuan 624099, P.R. China
| | - Hao Lin
- Center for Informational Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan 611731, P.R. China
| | - Jinsong Su
- Research Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan 611137, P.R. China
| | - Yinghui Zhang
- School of Healthcare Technology, Chengdu Neusoft University, Chengdu, Sichuan 611844, P.R. China
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Liu J, Zhong X. Population epigenetics: DNA methylation in the plant omics era. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 194:2039-2048. [PMID: 38366882 PMCID: PMC10980424 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiae089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
DNA methylation plays an important role in many biological processes. The mechanisms underlying the establishment and maintenance of DNA methylation are well understood thanks to decades of research using DNA methylation mutants, primarily in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) accession Col-0. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWASs) using the methylomes of natural accessions have uncovered a complex and distinct genetic basis of variation in DNA methylation at the population level. Sequencing following bisulfite treatment has served as an excellent method for quantifying DNA methylation. Unlike studies focusing on specific accessions with reference genomes, population-scale methylome research often requires an additional round of sequencing beyond obtaining genome assemblies or genetic variations from whole-genome sequencing data, which can be cost prohibitive. Here, we provide an overview of recently developed bisulfite-free methods for quantifying methylation and cost-effective approaches for the simultaneous detection of genetic and epigenetic information. We also discuss the plasticity of DNA methylation in a specific Arabidopsis accession, the contribution of DNA methylation to plant adaptation, and the genetic determinants of variation in DNA methylation in natural populations. The recently developed technology and knowledge will greatly benefit future studies in population epigenomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Xuehua Zhong
- Department of Biology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130, USA
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Chen G, Xu W, Long Z, Chong Y, Lin B, Jie Y. Single-cell Technologies Provide Novel Insights into Liver Physiology and Pathology. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:79-90. [PMID: 38250462 PMCID: PMC10794276 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
The liver is the largest glandular organ in the body and has a unique distribution of cells and biomolecules. However, the treatment outcome of end-stage liver disease is extremely poor. Single-cell sequencing is a new advanced and powerful technique for identifying rare cell populations and biomolecules by analyzing the characteristics of gene expression between individual cells. These cells and biomolecules might be used as potential targets for immunotherapy of liver diseases and contribute to the development of precise individualized treatment. Compared to whole-tissue RNA sequencing, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) or other single-cell histological techniques have solved the problem of cell population heterogeneity and characterize molecular changes associated with liver diseases with higher accuracy and resolution. In this review, we comprehensively summarized single-cell approaches including transcriptomic, spatial transcriptomic, immunomic, proteomic, epigenomic, and multiomic technologies, and described their application in liver physiology and pathology. We also discussed advanced techniques and recent studies in the field of single-cell; our review might provide new insights into the pathophysiological mechanisms of the liver to achieve precise and individualized treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zhicong Long
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yutian Chong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Bingliang Lin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yusheng Jie
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Tang L, Huang ZP, Mei H, Hu Y. Insights gained from single-cell analysis of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy in cancer. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:52. [PMID: 37941075 PMCID: PMC10631149 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00486-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Advances in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy have significantly improved clinical outcomes of patients with relapsed or refractory hematologic malignancies. However, progress is still hindered as clinical benefit is only available for a fraction of patients. A lack of understanding of CAR-T cell behaviors in vivo at the single-cell level impedes their more extensive application in clinical practice. Mounting evidence suggests that single-cell sequencing techniques can help perfect the receptor design, guide gene-based T cell modification, and optimize the CAR-T manufacturing conditions, and all of them are essential for long-term immunosurveillance and more favorable clinical outcomes. The information generated by employing these methods also potentially informs our understanding of the numerous complex factors that dictate therapeutic efficacy and toxicities. In this review, we discuss the reasons why CAR-T immunotherapy fails in clinical practice and what this field has learned since the milestone of single-cell sequencing technologies. We further outline recent advances in the application of single-cell analyses in CAR-T immunotherapy. Specifically, we provide an overview of single-cell studies focusing on target antigens, CAR-transgene integration, and preclinical research and clinical applications, and then discuss how it will affect the future of CAR-T cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Tang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, The Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zhong-Pei Huang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan, 430022, China
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, The Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Heng Mei
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, The Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Yu Hu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Hubei Clinical Medical Center of Cell Therapy for Neoplastic Disease, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, The Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430022, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Biological Targeted Therapy, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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Hu Y, Shen F, Yang X, Han T, Long Z, Wen J, Huang J, Shen J, Guo Q. Single-cell sequencing technology applied to epigenetics for the study of tumor heterogeneity. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:161. [PMID: 37821906 PMCID: PMC10568863 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01574-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have traditionally attributed the initiation of cancer cells to genetic mutations, considering them as the fundamental drivers of carcinogenesis. However, recent research has shed light on the crucial role of epigenomic alterations in various cell types present within the tumor microenvironment, suggesting their potential contribution to tumor formation and progression. Despite these significant findings, the progress in understanding the epigenetic mechanisms regulating tumor heterogeneity has been impeded over the past few years due to the lack of appropriate technical tools and methodologies. RESULTS The emergence of single-cell sequencing has enhanced our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms governing tumor heterogeneity by revealing the distinct epigenetic layers of individual cells (chromatin accessibility, DNA/RNA methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome localization) and the diverse omics (transcriptomics, genomics, multi-omics) at the single-cell level. These technologies provide us with new insights into the molecular basis of intratumoral heterogeneity and help uncover key molecular events and driving mechanisms in tumor development. CONCLUSION This paper provides a comprehensive review of the emerging analytical and experimental approaches of single-cell sequencing in various omics, focusing specifically on epigenomics. These approaches have the potential to capture and integrate multiple dimensions of individual cancer cells, thereby revealing tumor heterogeneity and epigenetic features. Additionally, this paper outlines the future trends of these technologies and their current technical limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
- Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Feng Shen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Tingting Han
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
- Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhuowen Long
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiale Wen
- Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junxing Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jiangfeng Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qing Guo
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China.
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Chen M, Jiang J, Hou J. Single-cell technologies in multiple myeloma: new insights into disease pathogenesis and translational implications. Biomark Res 2023; 11:55. [PMID: 37259170 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00502-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy characterized by clonal proliferation of plasma cells. Although therapeutic advances have been made to improve clinical outcomes and to prolong patients' survival in the past two decades, MM remains largely incurable. Single-cell sequencing (SCS) is a powerful method to dissect the cellular and molecular landscape at single-cell resolution, instead of providing averaged results. The application of single-cell technologies promises to address outstanding questions in myeloma biology and has revolutionized our understanding of the inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity, tumor microenvironment, and mechanisms of therapeutic resistance in MM. In this review, we summarize the recently developed SCS methodologies and latest MM research progress achieved by single-cell profiling, including information regarding the cancer and immune cell landscapes, tumor heterogeneities, underlying mechanisms and biomarkers associated with therapeutic response and resistance. We also discuss future directions of applying transformative SCS approaches with contribution to clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengping Chen
- Department of Hematology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jinxing Jiang
- Department of Hematology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jian Hou
- Department of Hematology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China.
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7
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Liu F, Wang Y, Gu H, Wang X. Technologies and applications of single-cell DNA methylation sequencing. Theranostics 2023; 13:2439-2454. [PMID: 37215576 PMCID: PMC10196823 DOI: 10.7150/thno.82582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is the most stable epigenetic modification. In mammals, it usually occurs at the cytosine of CpG dinucleotides. DNA methylation is essential for many physiological and pathological processes. Aberrant DNA methylation has been observed in human diseases, particularly cancer. Notably, conventional DNA methylation profiling technologies require a large amount of DNA, often from a heterogeneous cell population, and provide an average methylation level of many cells. It is often not realistic to collect sufficient numbers of cells, such as rare cells and circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood, for bulk sequencing assays. It is therefore essential to develop sequencing technologies that can accurately profile DNA methylation using small numbers of cells or even single cells. Excitingly, many single-cell DNA methylation sequencing and single-cell omics sequencing technologies have been developed, and applications of these methods have greatly expanded our understanding of the molecular mechanism of DNA methylation. Here, we summaries single-cell DNA methylation and multi-omics sequencing methods, delineate their applications in biomedical sciences, discuss technical challenges, and present our perspective on future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Yunfei Wang
- Zhejiang ShengTing Biotech. Ltd, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Hongcang Gu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Xiaoxue Wang
- Department of Hematology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
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Qin R, Zhao H, He Q, Li F, Li Y, Zhao H. Advances in single-cell sequencing technology in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:996890. [PMID: 36303541 PMCID: PMC9592975 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.996890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are a class of diseases characterized by altered genetic information and uncontrolled growth. Sequencing technology provide researchers with a better way to explore specific tumor pathogenesis. In recent years, single-cell sequencing technology has shone in tumor research, especially in the study of liver cancer, revealing phenomena that were unexplored by previous studies. Single-cell sequencing (SCS) is a technique for sequencing the cellular genome, transcriptome, epigenome, proteomics, or metabolomics after dissociation of tissues into single cells. Compared with traditional bulk sequencing, single-cell sequencing can dissect human tumors at single-cell resolution, finely delineate different cell types, and reveal the heterogeneity of tumor cells. In view of the diverse pathological types and complex pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the study of the heterogeneity among tumor cells can help improve its clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognostic judgment. On this basis, SCS has revolutionized our understanding of tumor heterogeneity, tumor immune microenvironment, and clonal evolution of tumor cells. This review summarizes the basic process and development of single-cell sequencing technology and its increasing role in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongyi Qin
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Haichao Zhao
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qizu He
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Feng Li
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yanjun Li
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yanjun Li, ; Haoliang Zhao,
| | - Haoliang Zhao
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yanjun Li, ; Haoliang Zhao,
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Qu R, He K, Yang Y, Fan T, Sun B, Khan AU, Huang W, Ouyang J, Pan X, Dai J. The role of serum amyloid A1 in the adipogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells basing on single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:187. [PMID: 35525990 PMCID: PMC9080218 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02873-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) are obtained from a variety of sources in vivo where they present in large quantities. These cells are suitable for use in autologous transplantation and the construction of tissue-engineered adipose tissue. Studies have shown that ASCs differentiation is in a high degree of heterogeneity, yet the molecular basis including key regulators of differentiation remains to clarify. Methods We performed single-cell RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis on both undifferentiated (ASC-GM group) and adipogenically differentiated human ASCs (ASC-AD group, ASCs were cultured in adipogenic inducing medium for 1 week). And then, we verified the results of serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) with western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, oil red O staining. After these experiments, we down-regulated the expression of serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) gene to verify the adipogenic differentiation ability of ASCs.
Results In single-cell RNA sequence analyzing, we obtained 4415 cells in the ASC-GM group and 4634 cells in the ASC-AD group. The integrated sample cells could be divided into 11 subgroups (0–10 cluster). The cells in cluster 0, 2, 5 were came from ASC-GM group and the cells in cluster 1, 3, 7 came from ASC-AD group. The cells of cluster 4 and 6 came from both ASC-GM and ASC-AD groups. Fatty acid binding protein 4, fatty acid binding protein 5, complement factor D, fatty acid desaturase 1, and insulin like growth factor binding protein 5 were high expressed in category 1 and 7. Regulation of inflammatory response is the rank 1 biological processes. And cellular responses to external stimuli, negative regulation of defense response and acute inflammatory response are included in top 20 biological processes. Based on the MCODE results, we found that SAA1, C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 5 (CCL5), and Annexin A1 (ANXA1) significantly highly expressed during adipogenic differentiation. Western blot and immunofluorescent staining results showed that SAA1 increased during adipogenesis. And the area of ORO positive staining in siSAA1 cells was significantly lower than in the siControl (negative control) cells. Conclusions Our results also indicated that our adipogenic induction was successful, and there was great heterogeneity in the adipogenic differentiation of ASCs. SAA1 with the regulation of inflammatory response were involved in adipogenesis of ASCs based on single-cell RNA sequencing analysis. The data obtained will help to elucidate the intrinsic mechanism of heterogeneity in the differentiation process of stem cells, thus, guiding the regulation of self-renewal and differentiation of adult stem cells. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13287-022-02873-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongmei Qu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application and National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University and National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai He
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Single Cell Technology and Application, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuchao Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application and National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University and National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tingyu Fan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application and National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University and National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bing Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application and National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University and National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Asmat Ullah Khan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application and National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University and National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenhua Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application and National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University and National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jun Ouyang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application and National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University and National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Xinghua Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Lab of Single Cell Technology and Application, and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jingxing Dai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Biomechanics and Guangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application and National Key Discipline of Human Anatomy, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University and National Demonstration Center for Experimental Education of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.
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10
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Tian B, Li Q. Single-Cell Sequencing and Its Applications in Liver Cancer. Front Oncol 2022; 12:857037. [PMID: 35574365 PMCID: PMC9097917 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.857037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
As one of the most lethal cancers, primary liver cancer (PLC) has high tumor heterogeneity, including the heterogeneity between cancer cells. Traditional methods which have been used to identify tumor heterogeneity for a long time are based on large mixed cell samples, and the research results usually show average level of the cell population, ignoring the heterogeneity between cancer cells. In recent years, single-cell sequencing has been increasingly applied to the studies of PLCs. It can detect the heterogeneity between cancer cells, distinguish each cell subgroup in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and also reveal the clonal characteristics of cancer cells, contributing to understand the evolution of tumor. Here, we introduce the process of single-cell sequencing, review the applications of single-cell sequencing in the heterogeneity of cancer cells, TMEs, oncogenesis, and metastatic mechanisms of liver cancer, and discuss some of the current challenges in the field.
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11
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Gao T, Zhao S, Sun J, Huang Q, Long S, Lv M, Ma J, Guo Z, Li G. Single-Cell Quantitative Phenotyping via the Aptamer-Mounted Nest-PCR (Apt-nPCR). Anal Chem 2022; 94:2383-2390. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c03865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Songyan Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Junhua Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Qiongbo Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Shipeng Long
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Mingming Lv
- Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, P. R. China
| | - Jiehua Ma
- Women’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University (Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital), Nanjing 210004, P. R. China
| | - Zhigang Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Genxi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
- Center for Molecular Recognition and Biosensing, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China
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12
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Mehrmohamadi M, Sepehri MH, Nazer N, Norouzi MR. A Comparative Overview of Epigenomic Profiling Methods. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:714687. [PMID: 34368164 PMCID: PMC8340004 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.714687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past decade, assays that profile different aspects of the epigenome have grown exponentially in number and variation. However, standard guidelines for researchers to choose between available tools depending on their needs are lacking. Here, we introduce a comprehensive collection of the most commonly used bulk and single-cell epigenomic assays and compare and contrast their strengths and weaknesses. We summarize some of the most important technical and experimental parameters that should be considered for making an appropriate decision when designing epigenomic experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahya Mehrmohamadi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Naghme Nazer
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
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13
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Ahn J, Heo S, Lee J, Bang D. Introduction to Single-Cell DNA Methylation Profiling Methods. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1013. [PMID: 34356635 PMCID: PMC8301785 DOI: 10.3390/biom11071013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism that is related to mammalian cellular differentiation, gene expression regulation, and disease. In several studies, DNA methylation has been identified as an effective marker to identify differences between cells. In this review, we introduce single-cell DNA-methylation profiling methods, including experimental strategies and approaches to computational data analysis. Furthermore, the blind spots of the basic analysis and recent alternatives are briefly described. In addition, we introduce well-known applications and discuss future development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongseong Ahn
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (J.A.); (S.H.)
| | - Sunghoon Heo
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (J.A.); (S.H.)
| | - Jihyun Lee
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
| | - Duhee Bang
- Department of Chemistry, Yonsei University, Seoul 03722, Korea; (J.A.); (S.H.)
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14
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Khoshkhoo S, Lal D, Walsh CA. Application of single cell genomics to focal epilepsies: A call to action. Brain Pathol 2021; 31:e12958. [PMID: 34196990 PMCID: PMC8412079 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal epilepsies are the largest epilepsy subtype and associated with significant morbidity. Somatic variation is a newly recognized genetic mechanism underlying a subset of focal epilepsies, but little is known about the processes through which somatic mosaicism causes seizures, the cell types carrying the pathogenic variants, or their developmental origin. Meanwhile, the inception of single cell biology has completely revolutionized the study of neurological diseases and has the potential to answer some of these key questions. Focusing on single cell genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics in focal epilepsy research, circumvents the averaging artifact associated with studying bulk brain tissue and offers the kind of granularity that is needed for investigating the consequences of somatic mosaicism. Here we have provided a brief overview of some of the most developed single cell techniques and the major considerations around applying them to focal epilepsy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sattar Khoshkhoo
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dennis Lal
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Genomic Medicine Institute, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Cologne Center for Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Epilepsy Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Christopher A Walsh
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Manton Center for Orphan Disease Research, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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15
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Wu M, Xia M, Li W, Li H. Single-Cell Sequencing Applications in the Inner Ear. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:637779. [PMID: 33644075 PMCID: PMC7907461 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.637779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomics studies face specific challenges in the inner ear due to the multiple types and limited amounts of inner ear cells that are arranged in a very delicate structure. However, advances in single-cell sequencing (SCS) technology have made it possible to analyze gene expression variations across different cell types as well as within specific cell groups that were previously considered to be homogeneous. In this review, we summarize recent advances in inner ear research brought about by the use of SCS that have delineated tissue heterogeneity, identified unknown cell subtypes, discovered novel cell markers, and revealed dynamic signaling pathways during development. SCS opens up new avenues for inner ear research, and the potential of the technology is only beginning to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxuan Wu
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye and ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyu Xia
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye and ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenyan Li
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye and ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huawei Li
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye and ENT Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,The Institutes of Brain Science and The Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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16
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Bisulfite-free epigenomics and genomics of single cells through methylation-sensitive restriction. Commun Biol 2021; 4:153. [PMID: 33526904 PMCID: PMC7851132 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01661-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell multi-omics are powerful means to study cell-to-cell heterogeneity. Here, we present a single-tube, bisulfite-free method for the simultaneous, genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation and genetic variants in single cells: epigenomics and genomics of single cells analyzed by restriction (epi-gSCAR). By applying this method, we obtained DNA methylation measurements of up to 506,063 CpGs and up to 1,244,188 single-nucleotide variants from single acute myeloid leukemia-derived cells. We demonstrate that epi-gSCAR generates accurate and reproducible measurements of DNA methylation and allows to differentiate between cell lines based on the DNA methylation and genetic profiles.
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17
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Islam M, Chen B, Spraggins JM, Kelly RT, Lau KS. Use of Single-Cell -Omic Technologies to Study the Gastrointestinal Tract and Diseases, From Single Cell Identities to Patient Features. Gastroenterology 2020; 159:453-466.e1. [PMID: 32417404 PMCID: PMC7484006 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2020.04.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Single cells are the building blocks of tissue systems that determine organ phenotypes, behaviors, and functions. Understanding the differences between cell types and their activities might provide us with insights into normal tissue physiology, development of disease, and new therapeutic strategies. Although -omic level single-cell technologies are a relatively recent development that have been used only in research settings, these approaches might eventually be used in the clinic. We review the prospects of applying single-cell genome, transcriptome, epigenome, proteome, and metabolome analyses to gastroenterology and hepatology research. Combining data from multi-omic platforms coupled to rapid technological development could lead to new diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirazul Islam
- Epithelial Biology Center and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Bob Chen
- Chemical and Physical Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jeffrey M Spraggins
- Mass Spectrometry Research Center, Departments of Biochemistry and Chemistry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ryan T Kelly
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah
| | - Ken S Lau
- Epithelial Biology Center and Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; Chemical and Physical Biology Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee.
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18
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Hu X, Hu Y, Wu F, Leung RWT, Qin J. Integration of single-cell multi-omics for gene regulatory network inference. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2020; 18:1925-1938. [PMID: 32774787 PMCID: PMC7385034 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2020.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The advancement of single-cell sequencing technology in recent years has provided an opportunity to reconstruct gene regulatory networks (GRNs) with the data from thousands of single cells in one sample. This uncovers regulatory interactions in cells and speeds up the discoveries of regulatory mechanisms in diseases and biological processes. Therefore, more methods have been proposed to reconstruct GRNs using single-cell sequencing data. In this review, we introduce technologies for sequencing single-cell genome, transcriptome, and epigenome. At the same time, we present an overview of current GRN reconstruction strategies utilizing different single-cell sequencing data. Bioinformatics tools were grouped by their input data type and mathematical principles for reader's convenience, and the fundamental mathematics inherent in each group will be discussed. Furthermore, the adaptabilities and limitations of these different methods will also be summarized and compared, with the hope to facilitate researchers recognizing the most suitable tools for them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinlin Hu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Machine Learning and Applications, College of Mathematics and Statistics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Yaohua Hu
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Advanced Machine Learning and Applications, College of Mathematics and Statistics, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Fanjie Wu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Ricky Wai Tak Leung
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Jing Qin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
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19
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Viswanathan R, Cheruba E, Cheow LF. DNA Analysis by Restriction Enzyme (DARE) enables concurrent genomic and epigenomic characterization of single cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2019; 47:e122. [PMID: 31418018 PMCID: PMC6821369 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkz717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome-wide profiling of copy number alterations and DNA methylation in single cells could enable detailed investigation into the genomic and epigenomic heterogeneity of complex cell populations. However, current methods to do this require complex sample processing and cleanup steps, lack consistency, or are biased in their genomic representation. Here, we describe a novel single-tube enzymatic method, DNA Analysis by Restriction Enzyme (DARE), to perform deterministic whole genome amplification while preserving DNA methylation information. This method was evaluated on low amounts of DNA and single cells, and provides accurate copy number aberration calling and representative DNA methylation measurement across the whole genome. Single-cell DARE is an attractive and scalable approach for concurrent genomic and epigenomic characterization of cells in a heterogeneous population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramya Viswanathan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore.,Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
| | - Elsie Cheruba
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore.,Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
| | - Lih Feng Cheow
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore.,Institute for Health Innovation and Technology (iHealthtech), National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
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20
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Qi Z, Barrett T, Parikh AS, Tirosh I, Puram SV. Single-cell sequencing and its applications in head and neck cancer. Oral Oncol 2019; 99:104441. [PMID: 31689639 PMCID: PMC6981283 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2019.104441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), like many tumors, is characterized by significant intra-tumoral heterogeneity, namely transcriptional, genetic, and epigenetic differences that define distinct cellular subpopulations. While it has been established that intra-tumoral heterogeneity may have prognostic significance in HNSCC, we are only beginning to describe and define such heterogeneity at a cellular resolution. Recent advances in single-cell sequencing technologies have been critical in this regard, opening new avenues in our understanding of more nuanced tumor biology by identifying distinct cellular subpopulations, dissecting signaling within the tumor microenvironment, and characterizing cellular genomic mutations and copy number aberrations. The combined effect of these insights is likely to be robust and meaningful changes in existing diagnostic and treatment algorithms through the application of novel biomarkers as well as targeted therapeutics. Here, we review single-cell technological and computational advances at the genomic, transcriptomic, and epigenomic levels, and discuss their applications in cancer research and clinical practice, with a specific focus on HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongtai Qi
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA; Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA
| | - Thomas Barrett
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA; Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA
| | - Anuraag S Parikh
- Department of Otolaryngology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Otolaryngology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Itay Tirosh
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Sidharth V Puram
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA; Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, USA.
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21
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Rossi E, Zamarchi R. Single-Cell Analysis of Circulating Tumor Cells: How Far Have We Come in the -Omics Era? Front Genet 2019; 10:958. [PMID: 31681412 PMCID: PMC6811661 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells detach from the primary tumor or metastatic sites and enter the peripheral blood, often causing metastasis. These cells, named Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs), display the same spatial and temporal heterogeneity as the primary tumor. Since CTCs are involved in tumor progression, they represent a privileged window to disclose mechanisms of metastases, while -omic analyses at the single-cell level allow dissection of the complex relationships between the tumor subpopulations and the surrounding normal tissue. However, in addition to reporting the proof of concept that we can query CTCs to reveal tumor evolution throughout the continuum of treatment for early detection of resistance to therapy, the scientific literature has also been highlighting the disadvantages of CTCs, which hampers a routine use of this approach in clinical practice. To date, an increasing number of CTC technologies, as well as -omics methods, have been employed, mostly lacking strong comparative analyses. The rarity of CTCs also represents a major challenge, because there is no consensus regarding the minimal criteria necessary and sufficient to define an event as CTC; moreover, we cannot often compare data from of one study with that of another. Finally, the availability of an individual tumor profile undermines the traditional histology-based treatment. Applying molecular data for patient benefit implies a collective effort by biologists, bioengineers, and clinicians, to create tools to interpret molecular data and manage precision medicine in every single patient. Herein, we focus on the most recent findings in CTC −omics to learn how far we have come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Rossi
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Rita Zamarchi
- Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
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22
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Abstract
Understanding chromatin regulation holds enormous promise for controlling gene regulation, predicting cellular identity, and developing diagnostics and cellular therapies. However, the dynamic nature of chromatin, together with cell-to-cell heterogeneity in its structure, limits our ability to extract its governing principles. Single cell mapping of chromatin modifications, in conjunction with expression measurements, could help overcome these limitations. Here, we review recent advances in single cell-based measurements of chromatin modifications, including optimization to reduce DNA loss, improved DNA sequencing, barcoding, and antibody engineering. We also highlight several applications of these techniques that have provided insights into cell-type classification, mapping modification co-occurrence and heterogeneity, and monitoring chromatin dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Connor H Ludwig
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Shriram Center, 443 Via Ortega, Rm 042, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lacramioara Bintu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Shriram Center, 443 Via Ortega, Rm 042, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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23
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Tumour heterogeneity and metastasis at single-cell resolution. Nat Cell Biol 2018; 20:1349-1360. [PMID: 30482943 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-018-0236-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Tumours comprise a heterogeneous collection of cells with distinct genetic and phenotypic properties that can differentially promote progression, metastasis and drug resistance. Emerging single-cell technologies provide a new opportunity to profile individual cells within tumours and investigate what roles they play in these processes. This Review discusses key technological considerations for single-cell studies in cancer, new findings using single-cell technologies and critical open questions for future applications.
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24
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Fiers MWEJ, Minnoye L, Aibar S, Bravo González-Blas C, Kalender Atak Z, Aerts S. Mapping gene regulatory networks from single-cell omics data. Brief Funct Genomics 2018; 17:246-254. [PMID: 29342231 PMCID: PMC6063279 DOI: 10.1093/bfgp/elx046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-cell techniques are advancing rapidly and are yielding unprecedented insight into cellular heterogeneity. Mapping the gene regulatory networks (GRNs) underlying cell states provides attractive opportunities to mechanistically understand this heterogeneity. In this review, we discuss recently emerging methods to map GRNs from single-cell transcriptomics data, tackling the challenge of increased noise levels and data sparsity compared with bulk data, alongside increasing data volumes. Next, we discuss how new techniques for single-cell epigenomics, such as single-cell ATAC-seq and single-cell DNA methylation profiling, can be used to decipher gene regulatory programmes. We finally look forward to the application of single-cell multi-omics and perturbation techniques that will likely play important roles for GRN inference in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W E J Fiers
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Computational Biology, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Liesbeth Minnoye
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Computational Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sara Aibar
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Computational Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Carmen Bravo González-Blas
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Computational Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Zeynep Kalender Atak
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Computational Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Stein Aerts
- VIB Center for Brain & Disease Research, Laboratory of Computational Biology, Leuven, Belgium
- KU Leuven, Department of Human Genetics, Leuven, Belgium
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25
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Lo PK, Zhou Q. Emerging techniques in single-cell epigenomics and their applications to cancer research. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL GENOMICS 2018; 1. [PMID: 30079405 DOI: 10.4172/jcg.1000103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Epigenomics encompasses studies of the chemical modifications of genomic DNA and associated histones, interactions between genomic DNA sequences and proteins, the dynamics of the chromosomal conformation, the functional relationships between these epigenetic events, and the regulatory impacts of these epigenetic events on gene expression in cells. In comparison to current techniques that are only capable of characterizing average epigenomic features across bulk cell ensembles, single-cell epigenomic methodologies are emerging as powerful new techniques to study cellular plasticity and heterogeneity, as seen in stem cells and cancer. Here we summarize available techniques for studies of single-cell epigenomics, review their current applications to cancer research, and discuss future possibilities. This review also highlights that the full potential of single-cell epigenetic studies will be comprehended through integrating the multi-omics information of genomics, epigenomics and transcriptomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pang-Kuo Lo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Qun Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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26
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Ortega MA, Poirion O, Zhu X, Huang S, Wolfgruber TK, Sebra R, Garmire LX. Using single-cell multiple omics approaches to resolve tumor heterogeneity. Clin Transl Med 2017; 6:46. [PMID: 29285690 PMCID: PMC5746494 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-017-0177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
It has become increasingly clear that both normal and cancer tissues are composed of heterogeneous populations. Genetic variation can be attributed to the downstream effects of inherited mutations, environmental factors, or inaccurately resolved errors in transcription and replication. When lesions occur in regions that confer a proliferative advantage, it can support clonal expansion, subclonal variation, and neoplastic progression. In this manner, the complex heterogeneous microenvironment of a tumour promotes the likelihood of angiogenesis and metastasis. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing and computational biology have utilized single-cell applications to build deep profiles of individual cells that are otherwise masked in bulk profiling. In addition, the development of new techniques for combining single-cell multi-omic strategies is providing a more precise understanding of factors contributing to cellular identity, function, and growth. Continuing advancements in single-cell technology and computational deconvolution of data will be critical for reconstructing patient specific intra-tumour features and developing more personalized cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Ortega
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI USA
| | - Olivier Poirion
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI USA
| | - Xun Zhu
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI USA
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Honolulu, HI USA
| | - Sijia Huang
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI USA
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Honolulu, HI USA
| | - Thomas K. Wolfgruber
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI USA
| | - Robert Sebra
- Icahn Institute and Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Lana X. Garmire
- Cancer Epidemiology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI USA
- Department of Molecular Biosciences and Bioengineering, Honolulu, HI USA
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