Cited by 218Single-cell and spatial transcriptomicsGenomics and Phylogenetic StudiesGene expression and cancer classification

Tutorial: guidelines for the experimental design of single-cell RNA sequencing studies

Lafzi, Atefeh, Moutinho, Catia, Picelli, Simone, Heyn, Holger·2018·Nature Protocols

Abstract

Single-cell RNA sequencing is at the forefront of high-resolution phenotyping experiments for complex samples. Although this methodology requires specialized equipment and expertise, it is now widely applied in research. However, it is challenging to create broadly applicable experimental designs because each experiment requires the user to make informed decisions about sample preparation, RNA sequencing and data analysis. To facilitate this decision-making process, in this tutorial we summarize current methodological and analytical options, and discuss their suitability for a range of research scenarios. Specifically, we provide information about best practices for the separation of individual cells and provide an overview of current single-cell capture methods at different cellular resolutions and scales. Methods for the preparation of RNA sequencing libraries vary profoundly across applications, and we discuss features important for an informed selection process. An erroneous or biased analysis can lead to misinterpretations or obscure biologically important information. We provide a guide to the major data processing steps and options for meaningful data interpretation. These guidelines will serve as a reference to support users in building a single-cell experimental framework-from sample preparation to data interpretation-that is tailored to the underlying research context.

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  1. [130]130. Hashimshony, T. et al. CEL-Seq2: sensitive highly-multiplexed single-cell RNA-Seq. Genome Biol. 17, 77 (2016).
  2. [159]159. Daniszewski, M. et al. Sci. Data 5, 180013 (2018).

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Authors
Lafzi, A., Moutinho, C., Picelli, S., & Heyn, H.
Affiliations
  • Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (ES)
  • German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DE)
  • Universitat Pompeu Fabra (ES)
Corresponding author
Heyn, Holger
Venue
Nature Protocols
Published
2018-11-16
Volume
13
Issue
12
Pages
2742-2757
ISSN
  • 1750-2799 (ISSN-L)
  • 1754-2189
OpenAlex
W2900606897
Cited by
218
References
167
Citations by year
2026: 22 · 2025: 26 · 2024: 26 · 2023: 27 · 2022: 34 · 2021: 45 · 2020: 27 · 2019: 10 · 2015: 1
FWCI
2.01
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Nature Protocols (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • RECERCAT (Consorci de Serveis Universitaris de Catalunya) (acceptedVersion)
  • Repositori digital de la UPF (Universitat Pompeu Fabra) (acceptedVersion)
  • DZNE Pub (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Genomics and Phylogenetic Studies
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Gene expression and cancer classification
Keywords
single-cell RNA sequencing, experimental design, cell isolation, RNA-seq library preparation, single-cell data processing, sample preparation
MeSH terms
Animals, Humans, Research Design, Specimen Handling, Gene Library, Sequence Analysis, RNA, Sample Size, Gene Expression Profiling, Genomics, Transcriptome

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