Researchers Developed New Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Method
The newly debuted CHART-seq technology improves scalability and lowers costs for single-cell genetic analysis.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Life Sciences
Scientists have introduced CHART-seq, a new high-resolution single-cell RNA sequencing method designed to address previous scaling challenges. This technique enables researchers to perform library preparation more efficiently than earlier plate-based full-length methods.
Why it matters
Previous plate-based full-length single-cell RNA sequencing methods were notoriously difficult to scale. CHART-seq offers a more accessible and reproducible alternative for studying cellular gene expression at a significantly lower cost.
CHART-seq allows for the processing of 96 cells per library in just 3 hours at a reagent cost of under US$1 per cell. The method supports expansion to 384-well plates and retains broad genebody coverage for reproducible expression estimates.
The details
The technology uses orthogonally indexed Tn5 complexes to tagment RNA/cDNA heteroduplexes, allowing for early sample pooling. It demonstrated superior performance in gene detection and isoform annotation compared to existing protocols such as Smart-seq2, Smart-seq3, Flash-seq, and SHERRY2.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: CHART-seq development report published.
The Big Picture
This development represents a shift toward more accessible high-throughput genomics, moving away from the complex protocols required by legacy sequencing tools. By overcoming these technical hurdles, CHART-seq unlocks new possibilities for rapid, cost-effective single-cell studies.
Researchers can utilize this method to conduct more extensive studies with tighter budgets, potentially accelerating discoveries in developmental and disease-related biology. The protocol's efficiency could eventually lead to faster clinical diagnostic developments or more detailed maps of cellular inflammatory responses.
The takeaway
The development of CHART-seq demonstrates that optimizing standard laboratory workflows can significantly improve the speed and affordability of advanced genomic analysis. Scientists looking to refine their single-cell sequencing processes should evaluate how this cost-effective method compares to their current protocols.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in genetic research in the Life Sciences section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Biorxiv.
