A naukri.com initiative
Bioengineer
6d
377
Image Credit: Bioengineer
New Frontiers: Single-Cell RNA Sequencing in Oncology
- Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has revolutionized cancer research by providing high-resolution insights into the heterogeneity of tumours and their microenvironment, driving a wave of research for clinical applications.
- scRNA-seq captures transcriptomic profiles of individual cells to reveal cellular heterogeneity, rare cell types, and dynamic states influencing tumour progression and therapy response.
- The technology aims to decipher tumour heterogeneity, characterize the tumour microenvironment, understand therapy resistance mechanisms, and guide personalized treatment strategies for improved clinical outcomes.
- By identifying distinct cancer cell states, lineage plasticity, and immune interactions, scRNA-seq offers a deeper understanding of cancer biology beyond histopathology and genomic mutations.
- Unveiling the tumour microenvironment's active role in oncogenesis, scRNA-seq reveals complex immune interactions, angiogenesis regulators, and mechanisms of immunotherapy response and resistance.
- Through detailed analysis, scRNA-seq assists in tracking resistant subclonal populations, informing combination therapies, and enabling dynamic therapy adjustments for better treatment outcomes.
- In personalized medicine, scRNA-seq aids in detecting actionable molecular alterations, optimizing targeted therapies, and stratifying patients based on predictive molecular signatures for tailored treatment approaches.
- Challenges include technical limitations, computational complexities, and the current cost preventing widespread clinical adoption, necessitating interdisciplinary efforts for improvement.
- Integrating scRNA-seq with spatial transcriptomics and proteomics promises a holistic view of tumour biology, while machine learning enhances data analysis and predictive modeling for clinical advancements.
- The future of oncology may rely on multi-dimensional data incorporating single-cell omics for personalized cancer care, with ongoing trials exploring scRNA-seq as a biomarker tool in clinical settings.
- As scRNA-seq transitions from investigation to clinical practice, addressing ethical considerations and standardizing its integration into workflows will be crucial for its successful implementation in cancer diagnostics and therapy.
Read Full Article
22 Likes
For uninterrupted reading, download the app