Single tumour cells observed

摘要

Tumours are known to be genetically heterogeneous, but it is difficult to dissect this heterogeneity at a single-cell level. A combination of whole-genome amplification with sequencing of single nuclei separated by fluorescence activated cell sorting now reveals the population structure of breast tumours from two patients. In both, tumour growth is by punctuated clonal expansions with few persistent intermediates, in contrast to the many gradual models of tumour progression.