A Galaxy-based training resource for single-cell RNA-sequencing quality control and analyses

Gigascience. 2019 Dec 1;8(12):giz144. doi: 10.1093/gigascience/giz144.

Abstract

Background: It is not a trivial step to move from single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data production to data analysis. There is a lack of intuitive training materials and easy-to-use analysis tools, and researchers can find it difficult to master the basics of scRNA-seq quality control and the later analysis.

Results: We have developed a range of practical scripts, together with their corresponding Galaxy wrappers, that make scRNA-seq training and quality control accessible to researchers previously daunted by the prospect of scRNA-seq analysis. We implement a "visualize-filter-visualize" paradigm through simple command line tools that use the Loom format to exchange data between the tools. The point-and-click nature of Galaxy makes it easy to assess, visualize, and filter scRNA-seq data from short-read sequencing data.

Conclusion: We have developed a suite of scRNA-seq tools that can be used for both training and more in-depth analyses.

Keywords: Galaxy; scRNA-seq; scater; single cell; training.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Computational Biology / education*
  • Data Analysis
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
  • Sequence Analysis, RNA / methods
  • Sequence Analysis, RNA / standards*
  • Single-Cell Analysis / methods
  • Single-Cell Analysis / standards*
  • Software
  • User-Computer Interface