Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) is a cutting-edge next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology that profiles the transcriptome of individual cells. Unlike bulk RNA-seq, which averages gene expression across many cells, scRNA-seq preserves cell-to-cell variation, enabling researchers to uncover rare cell types, developmental trajectories, and complex cellular behaviors.
Key Highlights:
- Captures gene expression profiles one cell at a time
- Reveals heterogeneity within tissues and is now considered the gold standard for defining cell states and phenotypes
- Supports high-throughput analysis of potentially thousands to millions of cells