Special Feature
Method of the Year 2013
- Special Feature
Nature Methods' choice for Method of the Year 2013 is single-cell sequencing. A collection of articles present the unique considerations related to sequencing single cells and highlight recent applications in biology and medicine. The Methods to Watch feature provides a look at possible future Methods of the Year.
Editorial
Special feature: Method of the Year 2013
Method of the Year 2013 - p1
doi:10.1038/nmeth.2801
Methods to sequence the DNA and RNA of single cells are poised to transform many areas of biology and medicine.
Abstract - Method of the Year 2013 | Full Text - Method of the Year 2013 | PDF (96 KB) - Method of the Year 2013
News Feature
Special feature: Method of the Year 2013
Singled out for sequencing - pp13 - 17
Kelly Rae Chi
doi:10.1038/nmeth.2768
Single-cell genome and transcriptome sequencing methods are generating a fresh wave of biological insights into development, cancer and neuroscience. Kelly Rae Chi reports.
Abstract - Singled out for sequencing | Full Text - Singled out for sequencing | PDF (1,653 KB) - Singled out for sequencing
Primer
Special feature: Method of the Year 2013
Single-cell sequencing - p18
Tal Nawy
doi:10.1038/nmeth.2771
A brief overview of how to derive a genome or transcriptome from a single cell.
Abstract - Single-cell sequencing | Full Text - Single-cell sequencing | PDF (475 KB) - Single-cell sequencing
Commentary
Special feature: Method of the Year 2013
Dissecting genomic diversity, one cell at a time - pp19 - 21
Paul C Blainey & Stephen R Quake
doi:10.1038/nmeth.2783
Emerging technologies are bringing single-cell genome sequencing into the mainstream; this field has already yielded insights into the genetic architecture and variability between cells that highlight the dynamic nature of the genome.
Abstract - Dissecting genomic diversity, one cell at a time | Full Text - Dissecting genomic diversity, one cell at a time | PDF (209 KB) - Dissecting genomic diversity, one cell at a time
Special feature: Method of the Year 2013
Entering the era of single-cell transcriptomics in biology and medicine - pp22 - 24
Rickard Sandberg
doi:10.1038/nmeth.2764
Recent technical advances have enabled RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) in single cells. Exploratory studies have already led to insights into the dynamics of differentiation, cellular responses to stimulation and the stochastic nature of transcription. We are entering an era of single-cell transcriptomics that holds promise to substantially impact biology and medicine.
Abstract - Entering the era of single-cell transcriptomics in biology and medicine | Full Text - Entering the era of single-cell transcriptomics in biology and medicine | PDF (217 KB) - Entering the era of single-cell transcriptomics in biology and medicine
Special feature: Method of the Year 2013
The promise of single-cell sequencing - pp25 - 27
James Eberwine, Jai-Yoon Sul, Tamas Bartfai & Junhyong Kim
doi:10.1038/nmeth.2769
Individual cells of the same phenotype are commonly viewed as identical functional units of a tissue or organ. However, the deep sequencing of DNA and RNA from single cells suggests a more complex ecology of heterogeneous cell states that together produce emergent system-level function. Continuing development of high-content, real-time, multimodal single-cell measurement technologies will lead to the ultimate goal of understanding the function of an individual cell in the context of its microenvironment.
Abstract - The promise of single-cell sequencing | Full Text - The promise of single-cell sequencing | PDF (248 KB) - The promise of single-cell sequencing
Methods to Watch
Special feature: Method of the Year 2013
CRISPRs and epigenome editing - p28
Nicole Rusk
doi:10.1038/nmeth.2775
Precise alterations to the epigenome with targeted enzymes.
Abstract - CRISPRs and epigenome editing | Full Text - CRISPRs and epigenome editing | PDF (662 KB) - CRISPRs and epigenome editing
Special feature: Method of the Year 2013
Bring on the neuro tools - p28
Erika Pastrana
doi:10.1038/nmeth.2776
A boost to neuroscience technology development could be transformative.
Abstract - Bring on the neuro tools | Full Text - Bring on the neuro tools | PDF (662 KB) - Bring on the neuro tools
Special feature: Method of the Year 2013
In situ sequencing - p29
Tal Nawy
doi:10.1038/nmeth.2777
Biologists need methods for sequencing genetic material directly from intact tissues.
Abstract - In situ sequencing | Full Text - In situ sequencing | PDF (1,248 KB) - In situ sequencing
Special feature: Method of the Year 2013
Tiny tools to measure force - p29
Natalie de Souza
doi:10.1038/nmeth.2778
Imaging-based sensors are used to map mechanical forces exerted by cells.
Abstract - Tiny tools to measure force | Full Text - Tiny tools to measure force | PDF (1,248 KB) - Tiny tools to measure force
Special feature: Method of the Year 2013
Single-particle electron cryomicroscopy - p30
Allison Doerr
doi:10.1038/nmeth.2779
Single-particle electron cryomicroscopy reaches for atomic resolution.
Abstract - Single-particle electron cryomicroscopy | Full Text - Single-particle electron cryomicroscopy | PDF (535 KB) - Single-particle electron cryomicroscopy
Special feature: Method of the Year 2013
Intracellular mini-binders - p30
Erika Pastrana
doi:10.1038/nmeth.2780
Small, genetically encoded probes for real-time detection and perturbation of cellular events are gaining attention.
Abstract - Intracellular mini-binders | Full Text - Intracellular mini-binders | PDF (535 KB) - Intracellular mini-binders
Special feature: Method of the Year 2013
The power of a crowd - p31
Daniel Evanko
doi:10.1038/nmeth.2781
For some applications, a crowd of people is superior to the best computational tools available.
Abstract - The power of a crowd | Full Text - The power of a crowd | PDF (550 KB) - The power of a crowd
Special feature: Method of the Year 2013
Self-organizing stem cells - p31
Natalie de Souza
doi:10.1038/nmeth.2782
Tissue-like organoids with surprisingly complex structures can be formed by stem cells in vitro.
Abstract - Self-organizing stem cells | Full Text - Self-organizing stem cells | PDF (550 KB) - Self-organizing stem cells