Michael Aschner, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Recent advancements in single cell technologies have enabled detection of RNA, proteins, metabolites, and xenobiotics in individual cells, and the application of these technologies has the potential to transform research in pharmacology and toxicology. Single cell analyses can be utilized to expose underlying variability in cellular response to xenobiotics, providing a unique examination of efficacy, toxicity, and metabolism. Proteomics performed at the level of individual cells can comprehensively characterize heterogeneity in cell-to-cell xenobiotic outcomes, including drug-induced toxicity, which enhances progress toward personalized and precision medicine. Further, understanding at the single cell level can facilitate more informed translation of preclinical data. This presentation will discuss the use of single cell proteomics in understanding mechanisms of xenobiotic-induced toxicity and how insight into cellular heterogeneity might be incorporated preclinically to strengthen the development and utility of model systems. Finally, opportunities for collaboration to advance development of technologies and model systems will be discussed.