InquiryMany questions in biology revolve around continuous developmental processes such as development or regeneration. For any cell in this process, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) can measure its gene expression. However, the method is disruptive to the cell, leaving researchers with only a static snapshot.
Developmental biology, on the other hand, is the process by which multicellular organisms grow and develop under their genetic control, encompassing dynamic interactions that are coordinated in space and time. Understanding normal developmental processes contributes to the understanding of developmental abnormalities and other diseases, such as cancer.
How we play a role in developmental biology
Development is highly complex and dynamic, requiring the coordination of numerous molecular and cellular events at precise times and locations. CD Genomics seeks to elucidate the general principles and mechanisms underlying the emergence of dynamic organization in developing organisms using spatial histology techniques (LCM-seq, SMART-seq2, Slide-seq, etc.).
We combine the power of genetic model organisms with quantitative imaging and spatial omics techniques, scRNA-seq, and theoretical modeling to create a suite of cross-cutting analytical solutions for modern developmental biology.
Figure 1. A framework of scRNA-seq and ST applications in cardiovas-cular research. (Roth R., et al., 2020)
We do these for our clients
- Build spatial location-based developmental atlases
- Establish new methods to study the dynamic complexity of multicellular development
- Predict cell fate and track cell growth, division and death, and survival
- Dissect cell signaling, cell adhesion and migration, and other life processes
- Uncover the principles and mechanisms of morphogenesis, pattern formation, and cell differentiation
- Demonstrate the spatial and temporal events of embryonic development and tissue morphogenesis
- Characterize the regulation of tissue genes during evolution and development
- Study changes in cellular dynamics during morphogenesis
- Map the ecological niche signals of human development
Sample requirements
- Human tissue or animal tissue (including but not limited to rat).
- FFPE or fresh frozen tissue samples, with no restrictions on disease type or specific tissue.
*Please make your backups if you have valuable samples, or contact our staff for sample handling and shipping options.
Practical applications in developmental biology research
How we do it
In the developmental biology analysis protocol offered by CD Genomics, scRNA-seq and spatial transcriptome technologies are used to perform downscaling, trajectory analysis, and regulatory network analysis to infer common mechanisms of lineage specification and provide cellular spatial information. And single-cell clone tracking methods to record cell history.
CD Genomics uses these methods to enable our customers to identify cell lineages at the single-cell and spatial levels and to understand cell heterogeneity in development by identifying many rare and novel cell types and characterizing subpopulations of cells that make up organs and tissues.
Each technique has advantages and limitations specific to the method. Therefore, CD Genomics selects a technique that is consistent with its intended goals and sample availability to meet the client's expectations.
Reference
- Roth R., et al., (2020). "Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics approaches of cardiovascular development and disease." BMB Reports, 53: 393-399.
