Droplet-based bisulfite sequencing for high-throughput profiling of single-cell DNA methylomes

The genome-wide DNA methylation profile, or DNA methylome, is a critical component of the overall epigenomic landscape that modulates gene activities and cell fate. Single-cell DNA methylomic studies offer unprecedented resolution for detecting and profiling cell subsets based on methylomic features. However, existing single-cell methylomic technologies are based on use of tubes or well plates and these platforms are not easily scalable for handling a large number of single cells. Here we demonstrate a droplet-based microfluidic technology, Drop-BS, to construct single-cell bisulfite sequencing libraries for DNA methylome profiling. Drop-BS takes advantage of the ultrahigh throughput offered by droplet microfluidics to prepare bisulfite sequencing libraries of up to 10,000 single cells within 2 days. We apply the technology to profile mixed cell lines, mouse and human brain tissues to reveal cell type heterogeneity. Drop-BS offers a promising solution for single-cell methylomic studies requiring examination of a large cell population. Single-cell DNA methylomic studies offer high resolution to differentiate cell subsets based on their epigenomic features. Here, the authors demonstrate Drop-BS, a droplet-based single-cell bisulfite sequencing library preparation method, for DNA methylome profiling.

Automated summary

The genome-wide DNA methylation profile is important for regulating gene activities and cell fate. Existing single-cell methylomic technologies are not easily scalable for a large number of cells. The authors introduce Drop-BS, a droplet-based method, for preparing single-cell bisulfite sequencing libraries and offer a promising solution for examining a large cell population in single-cell methylomic studies.