Exponential scaling of single-cell RNA-seq in the last decade

TL;DR

Over the past decade, technological advancements have exponentially increased the scale of single-cell RNA-seq, enabling comprehensive cell type diversity surveys.

Contribution

This paper reviews key technological developments that have driven the exponential growth in single-cell RNA-seq data collection.

Findings

Rapid increase in the number of cells analyzed in single-cell RNA-seq

Technological improvements have enabled large-scale, unbiased cell type cataloging

Exponential growth in data has facilitated more detailed cellular diversity studies

Abstract

The ability to measure the transcriptomes of single cells has only been feasible for a few years, and is becoming an extremely popular assay. While many types of analysis and questions can be answered using single cell RNA-sequencing, a central focus is the ability to survey the diversity of cell types within a sample. Unbiased and reproducible cataloging of distinct cell types requires large numbers of cells. Technological developments and protocol improvements have fuelled a consistent exponential increase in the numbers of cells studied in single cell RNA-seq analyses. In this perspective, we will highlight the key technological developments which have enabled this growth in data.