Expanding Cellular and Molecular Research
Traditionally, cell and molecular biology research seeks to understand the function of a single gene, gene family, or signal transduction pathway, often through the disruption or modification of single genes. Researchers use signal-based methods such as microscopy, flow cytometry, and protein blotting and molecular assays such as PCR/qPCR, Sanger sequencing, and gene expression arrays. This approach is time-consuming and does not always result in conclusive findings.
Array and next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies from Illumina can broaden cell and molecular biology research beyond the conventional methods of protein-interaction and single-gene functional studies. Illumina technology enables analysis across the genome, transcriptome, and epigenome. Results can inform experimental design and subsequent studies, saving time and allowing researchers to publish sooner.
Single-Cell Sequencing Workflow
Single-cell sequencing can reveal the cell types present and how individual cells are contributing to the function of that system.
Recent Topics in Cell Biology Research
Empowering Single-Cell and Spatial Experiments with Sample Multiplexing
Researchers from UCSF discuss MULTI-Seq, a sample barcoding strategy for single-cell and single-nucleus RNA sequencing. The method involves minimal sample processing, thereby preserving cell viability and endogenous gene expression patterns.
View WebinarProtein Detection by Sequencing: Towards a Definitive Cellular Phenotype
Methods that allow researchers to sequence and detect extracellular proteins in individual cells simultaneously reveal new cell types and states associated with disease.
Read MoreQuality Control for Single-Cell Sequencing Experiments
Learn best practices for preparing cell suspensions with sample preparation solutions from Miltenyi Biotec.
View WebinarNGS vs. qPCR
Compare the benefits of NGS technology to quantitative PCR and find out which one to choose.
NGS in Cell Biology Research
See how NGS opens new avenues to exploring and understanding the cellular activity of disease.
Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Articles
Exploring the Tumor Microenvironment
Single-cell sequencing proves invaluable in detecting intracellular communication in tumors.
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The Weizmann Institute Uses NovaSeq to Drive Single-Cell Research
By analyzing one cell at a time, Professor Amit is improving our understanding of biological systems in health and disease.
Read Article
Identifying Breast Cancer Targets Using High-Throughput NGS
The Breast Cancer Atlas Project is sequencing more than a million breast cancer cells with the NovaSeq 6000 System.
Read Case StudySingle-Cell Analysis is Fueling New Discoveries in Developmental Biology
A computer scientist is expanding the reach of scRNA-Seq data through new open source technologies.
Read Interview
COVID-19 Host Risk and Response
Understanding host genetic differences and individual responses to the SARS-CoV-2 virus increases understanding of disease susceptibiliity and severity. Read more about the methods for host risk & immune response studies.
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Related Techniques and Applications
Illumina technologies enable molecular and cellular biology researchers to explore transcription, regulation, epigenetics, and more.
Single-Cell RNA Sequencing
Explore the distinct biology of individual cells within a complex tissue, or investigate the molecular mechanisms behind subpopulation responses to environmental cues.
Learn MoreTargeted Resequencing
Focus on sequencing targeted genomic regions of interest, or simultaneously sequence large numbers of genes associated with a disease or phenotype.
Learn MoreMethylation Analysis
Quantitatively investigate methylation patterns using sequencing- and array-based techniques, and gain valuable insight into gene regulation.
Learn MoreGenotyping
Explore genetic variants such as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and large structural changes in DNA using genome-wide or targeted approaches.
Learn MoreGenome Editing
Find out how NGS enables researchers to confirm CRISPR gene knockouts, analyze off-target effects, assess the the functional impact of edits, and more.
Learn MoreChromatin Accessibility Analysis
Use ATAC-Seq to assess chromatin accessibility in single cells and uncover how chromatin packaging and other factors affect gene expression.
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Featured Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Solutions
SureCell Whole Transcriptome Analysis 3' Library Prep Kit: This kit supports transcriptome profiling of hundreds to tens of thousands of single cells in a given experiment.
NextSeq 2000 System: Groundbreaking benchtop sequencers allow you to explore new discoveries across a variety of current and emerging applications, with higher efficiency and fewer restraints.
BaseSpace Sequence Hub Single-Cell RNA-Seq App: Designed for use with the SureCell WTA 3' Library Prep Kit, this app performs cell and gene counting, filtering, and reporting.
AmpliSeq for Illumina Targeted Resequencing Solution: A streamlined, scalable amplicon sequencing solution, producing high-confidence data from low-input DNA and RNA samples.
Infinium Global Screening Array: A next-generation genotyping array for population-scale genetics, variant screening, pharmacogenomics studies, and precision medicine research.
MethylationEPIC BeadChip: Robust methylation profiling microarray with extensive coverage of CpG islands, genes, and enhancers. Use for epigenome-wide association studies.
From Genotype to Phenotype
Dr Lachlan Jolly discusses insights into gene function in cell models of brain development.
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Additional Resources
Chan Zuckerberg Biohub and the NovaSeq System
The Chan Zuckerberg Biohub uses the NovaSeq System to conduct innovative experiments in genomics.
Cellular Research Review
This review highlights recent publications that used Illumina technology for single-cell sequencing.
Simple, Customized RNA-Seq Workflows
Evaluating RNA sequencing options for cellular and molecular biology research including single-cell RNA sequencing
Software Tools to Simplify Data Analysis
Illumina bioinformatics tools can help researchers manage, analyze, and interpret genomic data.
Mapping Neural Diversity with Single-Cell RNA-Seq
The ability to analyze gene expression signatures from individual cells is transforming the way neurons are classified.