In the context of CITE-seq (Cellular Indexing of Transcriptomes and Epitopes by Sequencing), CMOs, or Cellular Marker Objects, are crucial components that represent the antibody-derived tags (ADTs) used to identify specific cell surface proteins. CITE-seq combines RNA sequencing with protein expression profiling, allowing researchers to analyze both transcriptomic and proteomic data from individual cells simultaneously.
CITE-seq is a powerful technique that utilizes antibodies tagged with unique oligonucleotides to label proteins on the surface of cells. These tags are then sequenced alongside the RNA from the same cells, enabling a comprehensive view of cellular identity and function. CMOs specifically refer to the data structures that encapsulate the information about these antibody-derived tags, including their counts and associated metadata.
In a recent study, CITE-seq was employed to analyze B cell populations, where CMOs were used to track the expression of various surface markers such as CD19 and CD27. This allowed researchers to delineate different B cell subsets and their functional states, providing insights into immune responses and potential dysregulations in conditions like common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) .
CMOs are integral to the analysis of CITE-seq data, providing essential information about cell surface protein expression that complements transcriptomic data. Understanding these objects enhances the ability to interpret complex biological systems at the single-cell level.
For more detailed insights into CITE-seq methodologies and applications, consider exploring the following resources: