Single cell genomics and developmental biology: moving beyond the generation of cell type catalogues

Abstract

Major developmental processes such as gastrulation and early embryogenesis rely on a complex network of cell-cell interactions, chromatin remodeling, and transcriptional regulators. This makes it challenging to study early development when using bulk populations of cells. Recent advances in single-cell technologies have allowed researchers to better understand the interactions between different molecular modalities and the heterogeneities within classically defined cell types. As new single-cell technologies mature, they have the potential of providing a step-change in our understanding of embryogenesis. In this review, we summarize recent advances in single-cell technologies with particular focus on those that lend insight into early organogenesis. We then discuss current pitfalls and implications for future research.