Population Diversity at the Single-Cell Level

• Published in: Annual review of genomics and human genetics Vol. 25; no. 1; pp. 27 - 49
• Main Authors: Gordon, M. Grace, Kathail, Pooja, Choy, Bryson, Kim, Min Cheol, Mazumder, Thomas, Gearing, Melissa, Ye, Chun Jimmie
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Annual Reviews 27-08-2024
• Subjects: computational methodologies; disease-associated genetic variants; genetic multiplexing; population genetics; single-cell genomics
• ISSN: 1527-8204; 1545-293X; 1545-293X
• DOI: 10.1146/annurev-genom-021623-083207

Population-scale single-cell genomics is a transformative approach for unraveling the intricate links between genetic and cellular variation. This approach is facilitated by cutting-edge experimental methodologies, including the development of high-throughput single-cell multiomics and advances in multiplexed environmental and genetic perturbations. Examining the effects of natural or synthetic genetic variants across cellular contexts provides insights into the mutual influence of genetics and the environment in shaping cellular heterogeneity. The development of computational methodologies further enables detailed quantitative analysis of molecular variation, offering an opportunity to examine the respective roles of stochastic, intercellular, and interindividual variation. Future opportunities lie in leveraging long-read sequencing, refining disease-relevant cellular models, and embracing predictive and generative machine learning models. These advancements hold the potential for a deeper understanding of the genetic architecture of human molecular traits, which in turn has important implications for understanding the genetic causes of human disease.