A rapid and robust method for single cell chromatin accessibility profiling

Nat Commun. 2018 Dec 17;9(1):5345. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-07771-0.

Abstract

The assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) is widely used to identify regulatory regions throughout the genome. However, very few studies have been performed at the single cell level (scATAC-seq) due to technical challenges. Here we developed a simple and robust plate-based scATAC-seq method, combining upfront bulk Tn5 tagging with single-nuclei sorting. We demonstrate that our method works robustly across various systems, including fresh and cryopreserved cells from primary tissues. By profiling over 3000 splenocytes, we identify distinct immune cell types and reveal cell type-specific regulatory regions and related transcription factors.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • 3T3 Cells
  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Chromatin / metabolism*
  • HEK293 Cells
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing / methods*
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA / methods*
  • Single-Cell Analysis / methods*
  • Spleen / cytology
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Transposases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Chromatin
  • Transcription Factors
  • Transposases