Clonal Decomposition and DNA Replication States Defined by Scaled Single-Cell Genome Sequencing

Summary Accurate measurement of clonal genotypes, mutational processes, and replication states from individual tumor-cell genomes will facilitate improved understanding of tumor evolution. We have developed DLP+, a scalable single-cell whole-genome sequencing platform implemented using commodity instruments, image-based object recognition, and open source computational methods. Using DLP+, we have generated a resource of 51,926 single-cell genomes and matched cell images from diverse cell types including cell lines, xenografts, and diagnostic samples with limited material. From this resource we have defined variation in mitotic mis-segregation rates across tissue types and genotypes. Analysis of matched genomic and image measurements revealed correlations between cellular morphology and genome ploidy states. Aggregation of cells sharing copy number profiles allowed for calculation of single-nucleotide resolution clonal genotypes and inference of clonal phylogenies and avoided the limitations of bulk deconvolution. Finally, joint analysis over the above features defined clone-specific chromosomal aneuploidy in polyclonal populations.
Graphical Abstract
Highlights • Scaled method and resource of > 50K single-cell whole genomes from diverse cell types • Clonal merging can resolve clone specific mutations to single-nucleotide level • Image analysis of single cells permits correlation of morphology and genome features • Clonal replication states and rare aneuploidy patterns of single cells measured
A high-throughput method for amplication-free single-cell whole-genome sequencing can be scaled up to analyze tens of thousands of cells from different tissues and clinical sample types and identifies replication states, aneuploidies, and subclonal mutations.