Droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing: decoding cellular heterogeneity for breakthroughs in cancer, reproduction, and beyond.

ABSTRACT: Droplet-based single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has redefined biological research by resolving cellular heterogeneity with an unprecedented precision. This review synthesizes the technological evolution of the 10× Genomics Chromium platform, its Gel Bead-in-Emulsion (GEM)s technology, and end-to-end workflows, while critically addressing persistent challenges, such as cell capture variability (30-75% efficiency), barcode collisions (< 5% multiplet rates), and mRNA capture limitations (10-50% efficiency). We spotlight two transformative applications: (1) cancer research, where scRNA-seq unveils rare circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and dynamic tumor microenvironments, and (2) reproductive medicine, enabling breakthroughs in primordial germ cell (PGC) epigenetics and pre-implantation diag

SUBMITTER: Luo H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12522672 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature