Single-cell transcriptomics for drug target discovery

•Single cell sequencing allows an unprecedented glimpse of intercellular diversity.•Broad array of sequencing platforms provide options for varying endpoints.•New sample preparation methods allow for sample pooling and less hands on time.•Advances in bioinformatics provide new, more accurate, faster analysis algorithms.

Single cell sequencing is currently in its relative infancy although an unprecedented amount of information is already being generated. These techniques are providing new insight into intercellular variability as well as identification of previously unrecognized drug targets. As more groups are gaining an interest in this fruitful technique, new sample preparation techniques, sequencing platforms, and bioinformatics tools are being developed which only improve the quantity and quality of data generated in these studies. Great advancements in harvest (in vivo pipette), sample preparation, and sequencing (Illumina HiSeq 2500/MiSeq, Ion Torrent PGM, Pacific Biosciences RS) are allowing for previously untestable questions to be answered and for expanded accessibility of these technologies.