Single‐cell RNA sequencing in cancer research

• Main Authors: Yijie Zhang, Dan Wang, Miao Peng, Le Tang, Jiawei Ouyang, Fang Xiong, Can Guo, Yanyan Tang, Yujuan Zhou, Qianjin Liao, Xu Wu, Hui Wang, Jianjun Yu, Yong Li, Xiaoling Li, Guiyuan Li, Zhaoyang Zeng, Yixin Tan, Wei Xiong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMC 2021-03-01
• Series: Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research
• Subjects: Single‐cell RNA sequencing; Tumor heterogeneity; Invasion and metastasis; Immune escape; Tumor microenvironment
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-021-01874-1

Abstract Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), a technology that analyzes transcriptomes of complex tissues at single-cell levels, can identify differential gene expression and epigenetic factors caused by mutations in unicellular genomes, as well as new cell-specific markers and cell types. scRNA-seq plays an important role in various aspects of tumor research. It reveals the heterogeneity of tumor cells and monitors the progress of tumor development, thereby preventing further cellular deterioration. Furthermore, the transcriptome analysis of immune cells in tumor tissue can be used to classify immune cells, their immune escape mechanisms and drug resistance mechanisms, and to develop effective clinical targeted therapies combined with immunotherapy. Moreover, this method enables the study of intercellular communication and the interaction of tumor cells and non-malignant cells to reveal their role in carcinogenesis. scRNA-seq provides new technical means for further development of tumor research and is expected to make significant breakthroughs in this field. This review focuses on the principles of scRNA-seq, with an emphasis on the application of scRNA-seq in tumor heterogeneity, pathogenesis, and treatment.