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

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

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

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

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