Single cell epigenome sequencing technologies

Epigenetic regulation plays crucial roles in the development and disease processes. Since different cell types with distinct epigenetic characteristics are always intermingled together in the tissues or organs, the single cell analysis provides a universal resolution for dissecting their intrinsic complexities. In this review, we discuss recent advances of developing single cell epigenome sequencing techniques for profiling DNA modifications (5mC, 5hmC, 5fC and 5caC), chromatin accessibility, histone modifications, protein-DNA interactions and three-dimensional genome architecture (Hi-C) in an individual mammalian cell. Recent progresses of single cell multi-omics sequencing techniques are also reviewed. These techniques are emerging as powerful tools for unravelling the unique epigenomic features of rare cell types and epigenetic heterogeneity within a seemingly homogenous cell population. We also discussed the current limitations and future development trend of single cell epigenome sequencing techniques.