Tang, C.; Zhang, C.; Xie, Y.; Tan, C.; Chen, Z.; Guo, M.

This study presents a novel approach to understanding DNA movement dynamics through the development of a droplet-based, high-efficient chromatin conformation capture method, known as DropHiChew, and a new algorithm, loop velocity. DropHiChew, a user-friendly and cost-effective technique, employs the 10X single-cell systems allowing for easy experimental implementation. The loop velocity algorithm, on the other hand, enables the estimation of the speed and direction of cell development, providing a dynamic perspective on chromatin movement. Even with shallow sequencing, our loop velocity algorithm accurately gauges the trajectory of DNA motion and cellular states. The combined use of DropHiChew and loop velocity offers potential for a wide array of applications in future chromatin capture studies, including disease modeling, cellular differentiation studies, and developmental biology.