Application of single-cell RNA sequencing technology in liver diseases: a narrative review.

Authors

Lian He
Anjing Lu
Lin Qin
Qianru Zhang
Hua Ling, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic MedicineFollow
Daopeng Tan
Yuqi He

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2021

Abstract

Objective: This review aimed to summarize the application of single-cell transcriptome sequencing technology in liver diseases.

Background: The increasing application of single-cell ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing (scRNA-seq) in life science and biomedical research has greatly improved our understanding of cellular heterogeneity in immunology, oncology, and developmental biology. scRNA-seq has proven to be a powerful tool for identifying and classifying cell subsets, characterizing rare or small cell subsets and tracking cell differentiation along the dynamic cell stages. Globally, liver disease has high rates of morbidity and mortality, and its exact pathological mechanism remains unclear, current treatment options are limited to clearance of the underlying cause or liver transplantation, which cannot overwhelm and cure liver diseases. scRNA-seq provides many novel insights for healthy and diseased livers.

Methods: In this review, we searched for related articles in the PubMed database and summarized the advances of scRNA-seq in revealing the molecular mechanisms of liver development, regeneration, and disease. We also discussed the challenges and future application potential of scRNA-seq, which is expected to enhance the ability to explore the field of liver research and accelerate the clinical application of liver precision medicine.

Conclusions: With the continuous improvement of scRNA-seq technology, scRNA-seq is expected to unlock new avenues for liver biology exploration, liver disease diagnosis, and personalized treatment, which will pave the way for breakthrough innovation in personalized medicine.

Publication Title

Annals of Translational Medicine

Volume

9

Issue

20

PubMed ID

34790804

Comments

This article was published in Annals of Translational Medicine, Volume 9, Issue 20.

The published version is available at https://doi.org/10.21037/atm-21-4824.

Copyright © 2021 Annals of Translational Medicine. CC BY-NC-ND 4.0.

Recommended Citation

He, Lian; Lu, Anjing; Qin, Lin; Zhang, Qianru; Ling, Hua; Tan, Daopeng; and He, Yuqi, "Application of single-cell RNA sequencing technology in liver diseases: a narrative review." (2021). PCOM Scholarly Works. 2132.
https://digitalcommons.pcom.edu/scholarly_papers/2132