Application and prospect of single-cell sequencing in cancer metastasis
- PMID: 35686493
- DOI: 10.2217/fon-2022-0156
Application and prospect of single-cell sequencing in cancer metastasis
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is a complicated process driven by internal genetic variations and developed through interactions with the external environment. This process usually causes therapeutic resistance and results in a low survival rate. In recent years, single-cell sequencing has become a popular method for revealing the tumor evolutionary genetic lineage, intra-tumoral heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment of the metastasis process. So as to find more therapeutic targets for clinical application, the spatial transcriptomics method has become a new rising field of cancer studies, which promotes the combination between clinical medicine and molecular biology. In future prospects, more accurate and personalized treatment models will come into reality.
Keywords: cancer metastasis; circulating tumor cell; epithelial-mesenchymal transformation; intra-tumoral heterogeneity; single-cell sequencing; spatial transcriptomics; tumor microenvironment.
Plain language summary
Cancer metastasis describes the primary tumor cells' spread to other organs, and is usually hard to cure. Single-cell sequencing methods have revealed the origin and development of this complicated process. They have found different cell populations and their functions, not only for tumor cells themselves, but also the nonmalignant cells. Therefore, research is attempting to find some key points to stop this process and improve the survival rate. In addition, putting these cells and genetic information on a tissue map is a rising technique, so we can learn about where these cells gather. This provides an intuitive view of metastasis. Thus, the future treatments will be more accurate and personalized.
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