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Biological and Medical Importance of Cellular Heterogeneity Deciphered by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing

Authors :
Rishikesh Kumar Gupta
Jacek Kuznicki
Source :
Cells, Vol 9, Iss 8, p 1751 (2020)
Publication Year :
2020
Publisher :
MDPI AG, 2020.

Abstract

The present review discusses recent progress in single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), which can describe cellular heterogeneity in various organs, bodily fluids, and pathologies (e.g., cancer and Alzheimer’s disease). We outline scRNA-seq techniques that are suitable for investigating cellular heterogeneity that is present in cell populations with very high resolution of the transcriptomic landscape. We summarize scRNA-seq findings and applications of this technology to identify cell types, activity, and other features that are important for the function of different bodily organs. We discuss future directions for scRNA-seq techniques that can link gene expression, protein expression, cellular function, and their roles in pathology. We speculate on how the field could develop beyond its present limitations (e.g., performing scRNA-seq in situ and in vivo). Finally, we discuss the integration of machine learning and artificial intelligence with cutting-edge scRNA-seq technology, which could provide a strong basis for designing precision medicine and targeted therapy in the future.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20734409
Volume :
9
Issue :
8
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Cells
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.0e8653a000754ab7b21edca66d5499c6
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.3390/cells9081751