Determining an optimal segregation of cellular data derived from individual cell RNA sequencing is a critical step in data analysis. This involves identifying the level of granularity at which cells are grouped based on their gene expression profiles. For example, a resolution parameter used in clustering algorithms dictates the size and number of resultant groups. A low setting might aggregate diverse cell types into a single, broad category, while a high setting may split a homogenous population into artificial subgroups driven by minor expression differences.
Appropriate data segregation is fundamental to accurate biological interpretation. It allows researchers to distinguish distinct cell populations, identify novel cell subtypes, and understand complex tissue heterogeneity. Historically, manual curation and visual inspection were common methods for assessing cluster quality. The benefits of optimized partitioning include increased accuracy in downstream analyses such as differential gene expression and trajectory inference, leading to more robust biological conclusions and a more complete understanding of cellular diversity.
