Sequencing the Human Brain at Single-Cell Resolution

Purpose of ReviewThis review summarizes some of the most recent studies on single-cell resolution sequencing of the post-mortem human brain and the application of these techniques for the study of psychiatric and neurological disorders.Recent FindingsOver the last several years, researchers have optimized single-cell transcriptome and genome sequencing in post-mortem human brain tissue. This has given us unprecedented access to cell-type specific gene expression profiles and somatic mutations unique to pathological states. Additionally, we can now measure epigenetic information from individual brain cells and with advanced statistical approaches, we can focus on the key cell-types underlying psychiatric and other brain phenotypes.SummaryA new era of cell-type specific and single-cell resolution studies of the human brain is underway. With proper application of rapidly advancing laboratory and data analysis techniques, we should witness important advances in our understanding of molecular changes associated with psychiatric and neurological phenotypes.