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.