Computational biology: How to catch rare cell types.

Abstract

The development of an algorithm called RaceID enables the identification of rare cell types by single-cell RNA sequencing, even when they are part of a complex mixture of similar cells. See Letter p.251 Identifying and tracking rare cell types of physiological importance in a mixed population is a challenge. This study, a collaboration between the labs of Hans Clevers and Alexander van Oudenaarden, tackles the issue by applying single-cell mRNA sequencing to mouse intestinal organoids. The authors develop an algorithm, called RaceID, that allows rare cell type identification in a complex population of single cells. They define a marker for rare enteroendocrine cells of the intestine. Analysis of cells from a primary mouse intestine using this method, reveals that the Lgr5-expressing population consists of a homogenous stem cell population with a few rare secretory cells, including Paneth cells.