Unveiling Gastric Cancer Complexity: Applications of Single‑Cell Omics and Spatial Transcriptomics

In a recent comprehensive review by Ren et al., published in "Oncology Letters," the landscape of gastric cancer (GC) research is meticulously explored through the lens of advanced scientific tools. Gastric cancer, a formidable adversary in the field of oncology, is dissected using cutting-edge single-cell omics and spatial transcriptomics (ST) technologies.

Single-Cell Omics Technologies: A Deep Dive into Cellular Heterogeneity

The review discusses the remarkable advancements in single-cell omics technologies that have illuminated the heterogeneity of GC. These technologies, including scRNA-seq, single-cell genome sequencing, and single-cell epigenome sequencing, offer unparalleled insights into the genetic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic landscapes of individual cancer cells.

Key Technologies in Single-Cell Omics:

• scRNA-seq: Profiling gene expression at the single-cell level.

• Single-cell genome sequencing: Unraveling genetic diversity and mutations.

• Single-cell epigenome sequencing: Understanding the influence of epigenetic modifications.

The review underscores the crucial role of scRNA-seq, noting that it:

and is pivotal for dissecting tumor development mechanisms and the TME.

Spatial Transcriptomics: Mapping the Tumor Landscape

The authors highlight the emergence of ST technologies as a complementary force to single-cell omics. By offering a spatial dimension to gene expression data, techniques like in situ hybridization and laser capture microdissection have constructed intricate spatial tissue atlases, providing a more comprehensive view of the tumor's spatial heterogeneity and cellular interactions.

Applications in Gastric Cancer Research

The review provides a detailed account of how single-cell omics technologies have been applied to investigate various aspects of GC:

• Genetic Alterations of Single Cells: Early applications of SCS in GC have delineated the genetic and transcriptional diversity within tumors.

• Tumor Diagnosis and Prognosis: These technologies have aided in identifying biomarkers and genes associated with GC progression and patient prognosis.

• Tumor Microenvironment Analysis: SCS has revealed the composition and state of the TME, offering insights into immune responses and potential therapeutic targets.

ST technologies have been used to understand the spatial gene expression patterns within GC tissues, contributing to our knowledge of tumor invasion, metastatic progression, and potential therapeutic targets.

Integrating scRNA-seq and ST

The integration of scRNA-seq with ST, as reviewed by Ren et al., represents a synergistic approach that combines the depth of cellular analysis with the context of spatial interactions. This integrated methodology is set to further our understanding of GC, allowing for the identification of novel disease subtypes and more targeted therapeutic interventions.

Conclusion and Future Directions

Their review concludes by emphasizing the transformative potential of single-cell omics and ST in advancing GC research. While the clinical application of these technologies is still in its infancy, they hold the promise of enhancing patient care through precision medicine. The future of GC treatment looks promising as these technologies continue to redefine the boundaries of cancer research and therapy.