Single-Cell RNA Sequencing (scRNA-seq)
What Is Single-Cell RNA Sequencing (scRNA-seq)?
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) profiles gene expression at the resolution of individual cells, revealing the transcriptional programs that define cell identity, state, and function. Unlike bulk RNA sequencing—which averages signals across thousands of cells—scRNA-seq exposes cell-to-cell heterogeneity, uncovering rare populations and dynamic cellular transitions that drive development, immunity, and disease.
At AUGenomics, we combine state-of-the-art single-cell technologies from Scale Biosciences, Parse Biosciences, and CS Genetics to deliver scalable, high-resolution transcriptomics. These platforms allow us to analyze tens of thousands of cells per experiment while preserving high sensitivity and gene detection rates. The result: a detailed map of gene expression across individual cells, enabling researchers to see biology at an unprecedented level.
Advantages of scRNA-seq
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High-Resolution Gene Expression Profiling: Captures transcriptional signatures for each individual cell.
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Unbiased Cellular Mapping: Identifies known and novel cell types without pre-selection.
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Dynamic State Analysis: Reveals how cells transition during development, disease, and therapy response.
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Rare Cell Detection: Sensitive enough to detect low-frequency populations critical to disease or immunity.
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Multi-Platform Expertise: Supports workflows using Scale Biosciences, Parse Biosciences, and CS Genetics for flexible project designs.
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High Throughput: Profile thousands to hundreds of thousands of cells in a single experiment.
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Multi-Omic Integration: Option to pair scRNA-seq with immune receptor profiling or chromatin accessibility data.
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Flexible Sample Inputs: Supports fresh or cryopreserved single-cell suspensions and nuclei.
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Expert Collaboration: We guide you through experimental design, sequencing, and biological interpretation.
Single-cell RNA sequencing is a transformative tool for studying how gene expression drives cellular function. Applications include:
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Cell Type Identification: Mapping known and novel cell populations in complex tissues.
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Tumor Microenvironment Analysis: Characterizing tumor heterogeneity and immune cell infiltration.
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Immune Profiling: Understanding activation, exhaustion, and diversity in immune cell subsets.
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Developmental Biology: Tracing lineage differentiation and regulatory programs during development.
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Disease Mechanism Studies: Identifying dysregulated transcriptional networks in cancer, autoimmunity, neurodegeneration, and more.
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Therapeutic Response Assessment: Measuring transcriptional changes in response to treatment at the cellular level.
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Rare Population Discovery: Detecting stem cells, progenitors, and other rare but functionally important cell types.
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Drug Development: Linking compound exposure to cell-type–specific transcriptomic responses.
What is scRNA-seq Used For?
scRNA-seq with AUGenomics
Sample Submission
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Sample types accepted: Fresh tissues, cryopreserved cells, cultured cell lines, PBMCs, organoids, dissociated tumors
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Required input: ≥10,000 cells/sample recommended for optimal diversity
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Sequencing depth recommendation: ~20,000–50,000 reads per cell (depending on study goals)
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Cycle count: Paired-end 26 × 91 cycles or per platform specifications
Please refer to our Shipping Guidelines for project-specific guidance.
Turnaround Time
Standard turnaround time is 2–3 weeks from sample receipt. Expedited options are available depending on project scope and sequencing depth.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What’s the difference between bulk RNA-seq and scRNA-seq?
A: Bulk RNA-seq averages gene expression across a mixed population of cells, masking cell-specific signals. scRNA-seq captures expression at the single-cell level, revealing heterogeneity and rare populations.
Q: How do I preserve cells for scRNA-seq if I can’t process them immediately?
A: Stabilization buffers or cell fixation may be options, depending on the platform. Contact us for guidance on your specific sample type.
Q: Which technologies do you use?
A: We support Scale Biosciences (scalable combinatorial indexing), Parse Biosciences (split-pool barcoding), and CS Genetics (nuclei-compatible workflows), selecting the best platform for your study.
Q: How many cells can you analyze?
A: Our workflows support analysis of thousands to hundreds of thousands of cells per experiment, depending on project design.
Got more questions? Contact our team and get a free consultation anytime. info@augenomics.com
Glossary of Terms
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Transcriptome: The complete set of RNA transcripts in a cell
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UMI (Unique Molecular Identifier): A barcode used to track individual RNA molecules
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Cell barcoding: Labeling cells with unique identifiers for multiplexing
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Drop-seq/10x Genomics: Technologies used for high-throughput single-cell capture and sequencing
