Semibulk RNA-seq analysis as a convenient method for measuring gene expression statuses in a local cellular environment.

When biologically interpretation of the data obtained from the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) analysis is attempted, additional information on the location of the single cells, behavior of the surrounding cells, and the microenvironment they generate, would be very important. We developed an inexpensive, high throughput application while preserving spatial organization, named "semibulk RNA-seq" (sbRNA-seq). We utilized a microfluidic device specifically designed for the experiments to encapsulate both a barcoded bead and a cell aggregate (a semibulk) into a single droplet.

Single-Cell Analyses Reveal Diverse Mechanisms of Resistance to EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Lung Cancer.

Tumor heterogeneity underlies resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) in lung cancers harboring mutations. Previous evidence suggested that subsets of preexisting resistant cells are selected by EGFR-TKI treatment, or alternatively, that diverse acquired resistance mechanisms emerge from drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cells. Many studies have used bulk tumor specimens or subcloned resistant cell lines to identify resistance mechanism.