RNA velocity-current challenges and future perspectives

Volker Bergen; Ruslan A Soldatov; Peter V Kharchenko; Fabian J Theis

doi:10.15252/msb.202110282

RNA velocity-current challenges and future perspectives

Mol Syst Biol. 2021 Aug;17(8):e10282. doi: 10.15252/msb.202110282.

Authors

Volker Bergen^{1

2}, Ruslan A Soldatov³, Peter V Kharchenko³, Fabian J Theis^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany.
² Department of Mathematics, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
³ Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.

Abstract

RNA velocity has enabled the recovery of directed dynamic information from single-cell transcriptomics by connecting measurements to the underlying kinetics of gene expression. This approach has opened up new ways of studying cellular dynamics. Here, we review the current state of RNA velocity modeling approaches, discuss various examples illustrating limitations and potential pitfalls, and provide guidance on how the ensuing challenges may be addressed. We then outline future directions on how to generalize the concept of RNA velocity to a wider variety of biological systems and modalities.

Keywords: RNA velocity; challenges; dynamics; limitations; perspectives.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
Review

MeSH terms

Kinetics
RNA* / genetics
Transcriptome*

Substances

RNA