Benchmarking full-length transcript single cell mRNA sequencing protocols

Here we present a performance evaluation of three different plate-based scRNA-seq protocols. Two commercially available kits; NEBNext Single Cell/ Low Input RNA Library Prep Kit (NEB), SMART-seq HT kit (Takara), and non-commercially available protocol Genome & transcriptome sequencing (G&T). We evaluated each kit based upon sensitivity, reproducibility, ease of use and price point per cell. This evaluation is specifically relevant for implementation of scRNA-seq in e.g. diagnostics, requiring high sensitivity in regards of gene detection, high reproducibility between samples, minimum hands on time and smooth sample preparation for technicians, as well as keeping a reasonable price point per patient. G&T protocol delivered the highest detection of genes per single cell, at the absolute lowest price point. Takara's kit delivered likewise high gene detection per single cell, and high reproducibility between sample, however at the absolute highest price points. Here we present pros and cons of each protocol, sequencing breast cancer cell line T47D. Overall design: Assessment of three plate-based full-length scRNA-seq protocols on T47D breast cancer cells.