Single-cell RNA sequencing is an increasingly popular tool for deep, unbiased profiling of cellular phenotypes. However, most high-throughput single cell techniques are inefficient in capturing T cell receptor (TCR) variable sequences, which define the antigen specificity of the cell. Based on our nanowell-based platform, we have developed a strategy that enables simultaneous analysis of the TCR variable sequences and the full transcriptome. Our work will enable the correlation of T cell function to specific TCR sequences at scale.

Coral reefs are important, biologically diverse habitats that supply protein and provide financial income for many millions of people in tropical countries. It has been found that the bacterial pathogen Vibrio coralliilyticus increases its swimming speed when exposed to mucus of stressed corals, and becomes virulent in elevated temperatures; however, the transcriptional networks controlling this behavior are poorly understood. Here, I discuss the behavioral and transcriptional response of the pathogen upon exposure to coral mucus.