RNA sequencing of a single cell, a major evolution and an opportunity for One Health players
Single-cell DNA or RNA sequencing is emerging as a game-changer in the world of genomics, by providing unprecedented insights into the complexity of cellular behavior within a cell group, organ or tissue. By analyzing the genetic material of individual cells, this cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing our understanding of biology, pathological or molecule resistance mechanisms, and playing a key role in the development of new therapies.
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq)
The technology of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a particularly advanced approach that makes it possible to establish the gene expression profile (set of RNA transcripts) of each cell, revealing the heterogeneity of these RNA transcripts, their complexity and their interactions.
Establishing scRNA-seq profiles requires a succession of technological steps, and above all the use of dedicated bioinformatics and mathematical tools to generate and sort the unique data obtained.
In this way, scRNA-seq enables us to better understand exchanges and interactions between cells, as well as to identify rare cells within a population of cells making up a tissue.
Unlike traditional sequencing methods that analyze “bulk” cell populations, single-cell sequencing provides a granular view of cellular diversity and dynamics, making it possible to track developmental processes and identify subtle variations between individual cells.
Performing scRNA-seq profiles and establishing cellular subtypes will make it possible to identify potential new therapeutic targets, to improve the evaluation of targets already identified, to prioritize them, to measure the effects of molecules at cellular level more accurately, to monitor drug response and disease progression more precisely, and to identify new biomarkers enabling better stratification of patients.
As the technology matures, and thanks to the growing availability of public data, scRNA-seq applications are extending beyond research laboratories into clinical, pharmaceutical and industrial settings.
The ability to dissect the molecular architecture of a tissue by analyzing individual cells is driving innovation in the development of drugs and diagnostics for human health.
The applications of this approach are vast, ranging from the acceleration of cancer research to more precise immune profiling, personalized medicine and the advancement of regenerative medicine.
ACOBIOM a major player in cellular RNA sequencing
For ACOBIOM, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) represents a major interest and an unlimited source of transcriptome analyses.
For 25 years, his team has been at the forefront of bioinformatics analyses of transcriptomes established by sequencing (SAGE, DGE, RNA-seq). The informatics pipeline is expanding to meet the specific needs of scRNA-seq analyses, taking into account the complexity and variability of the data for accurate identification of different cell types.
Single-cell RNA sequencing is revolutionizing biology by providing detailed information on the RNA transcripts of individual cells. ACOBIOM is playing its part in this dynamic by bringing its scientific expertise and technical skills, responding to the specific and constantly evolving needs of One Health players.
