The application of single-cell sequencing technology in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract

Single-cell sequencing technology refers to the sequencing of the genome, transcriptome and epigenome in one single cell. Comparing to traditional histology, single-cell sequencing can reveal the genetic heterogeneity among different cells. Due to the complex pathogenesis and various pathological types of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), studies on the heterogeneity of tumor cells confer improvement for its clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. This article summarizes the principal basis and development of single-cell sequencing technology, as well as its increasing application in the field of HCC.

Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Reveals the Role of Phosphorylation-Related Genes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Stem Cells

“…However, the expression characteristics of all PRGs in CSCs of HCC have yet to be revealed. Recent high-throughput approaches of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) allow for a better understanding of tumor heterogeneity and transcriptional plasticity in HCC, which may provide additional insight to improve the efficacy of HCC therapy ( Kim et al, 2018 ; Zheng et al, 2018 ; Aizarani et al, 2019 ; Zhang et al, 2019a ; Kang et al, 2019 ; Ma et al, 2019 ). ScRNA-seq provides a viable strategy for the elucidation of abnormal phosphorylation-dependent signaling pathways in multiple cell types of tumors, especially CSCs, which could help to identify new effective drugs in the therapy of HCC.…”

Understanding tumour cell heterogeneity and its implication for immunotherapy in liver cancer using single-cell analysis

“…On the other hand, tens or hundreds of copies can exist of a particular transcript in a single-cell. 58 The frequency of sequencing or PCR errors is increased in the case of single-cell DNA sequencing because of the inherently low input DNA content. 59 Because of this, the resolution of single-cell DNA sequencing is most reliable at the whole genome level through the identification of copy number variants (CNVs).…”

Applying Single-Cell Analysis to Gonadogenesis and DSDs (Disorders/Differences of Sex Development)

“…The method can also detect the emergence of aberrant cell types, in the case of cancer and other diseases [ 95 ]. Single-cell technologies require the purification of individual cells from tissue samples, typically by mechanical or enzymatic treatment, to generate a single-cell suspension [ 96 ]. Cell isolation can be achieved using diverse methods, including micro-pipetting, magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) and FACS ( Figure 3 ).…”

“…Cell isolation can be achieved using diverse methods, including micro-pipetting, magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) and FACS ( Figure 3 ). With the incorporation of microfluidic technologies, this process has become semi-automated, allowing more reproducible results and avoiding DNA contamination [ 96 , 97 ]. Two main technologies are generally used for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), the droplet based 10× Genomics Chromium platform and the plate based Smart-seq ( Figure 3 ) [ 98 , 99 , 100 ].…”

“…Single-cell sequencing shows potential as a novel technological platform for biomedical research and diagnosis, especially in complex diseases [ 96 , 103 ]. The minimal sample requirement, together with the ability to detect protein, DNA and mRNA simultaneously, positions single-cell multi-omics as a promising technique for translational medicine.…”