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Single‐cell sequencing in translational cancer research and challenges to meet clinical diagnostic needs
Author(s) -
Pfisterer Ulrich,
Bräunig Julia,
Brattås Per,
Heidenblad Markus,
Karlsson Göran,
Fioretos Thoas
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
genes, chromosomes and cancer
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.754
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1098-2264
pISSN - 1045-2257
DOI - 10.1002/gcc.22944
Subject(s) - computational biology , epigenetics , dna sequencing , biology , translational research , translation (biology) , single cell sequencing , cancer genome sequencing , cancer , transcriptome , single cell analysis , genome , genomics , bioinformatics , cell , genetics , gene , exome sequencing , phenotype , microbiology and biotechnology , gene expression , messenger rna
The ability to capture alterations in the genome or transcriptome by next‐generation sequencing has provided critical insight into molecular changes and programs underlying cancer biology. With the rapid technological development in single‐cell sequencing, it has become possible to study individual cells at the transcriptional, genetic, epigenetic, and protein level. Using single‐cell analysis, an increased resolution of fundamental processes underlying cancer development is obtained, providing comprehensive insights otherwise lost by sequencing of entire (bulk) samples, in which molecular signatures of individual cells are averaged across the entire cell population. Here, we provide a concise overview on the application of single‐cell analysis of different modalities within cancer research by highlighting key articles of their respective fields. We furthermore examine the potential of existing technologies to meet clinical diagnostic needs and discuss current challenges associated with this translation.