An Overview of the Single-Cell RNA (scRNA-seq) Sequencing Technique and its Benefits in the Healthcare Sector

RNA sequencing (RNAseq) is among the most used techniques in the healthcare sector to treat and research related to dangerous diseases like cancer and for the development of drugs.

Driven by several technical and biological questions, RNA sequencing techniques are constantly getting advanced and altering the landscape of the healthcare sector.

The recent development in sequencing technique, single-cell RNA sequencing, has resulted in easy examining of cellular systems at an individual cell level.

To get a proper understanding, we’ll be discussing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and the benefits of using the scRNA-seq techniques.

Introduction to Single-Cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq)

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) uses next-generation sequencing (NGS) technology for analyzing the sequence information of each cell.

NGS technology helps in getting detailed information of the cellular dissimilarities and accurate insight of the individual cell functions in its microenvironment.

The population of similar species of cells is cloned genetically, but with the use of single-cell RNA sequencing techniques, experts can get a better idea about the difference between these cells.

The traditional technique of RNA sequencing often fails to show the changes happening at the cellular level. scRNA-seq has been the answer to this issue which is helping experts to see the cells at higher resolution.

Since the beginning of the scRNA-seq technique, it has helped in scanning the types of novel cells, identifying random gene expression, and determining the mechanism of gene regulation.

Steps of Single-cell RNA Sequencing Technique

Several methods are used under scRNA-seq techniques having their own benefits, applicability, and protocols. Single-cell RNA sequencing technique includes four major steps:

• Single cells or nuclei isolation from cell-to-cell binding and extracellular matrix
• Reverse transcription of the cells is done with the uses of long non-coding RNA (lncRNAs) selection and polyadenylated messenger RNA (mRNAs)
• Complementary DNA (cDNA) amplification using STRT methods and SMART-sequencing techniques
• Trial of library sequencing commonly performed with the help of transposase fragmentation

Use of scRNA-seq Techniques in Cancer Diagnosis

Single-cell RNA sequencing techniques are used in different research interests, such as organ development, and cancer treatment

In cancer, single-cell RNA sequencing techniques allow experts to examine multiple types of cell properties within a tumor’s surroundings.

When scRNA-seq is connected with electrophysiological patch-clamp recording, it gives rise to functional properties, anatomical, and Patch-seq, which helps in easy linking with gene expression. Detailed analysis of cell heterogeneity using scRNA-seq within the metastatic and primary tumors helps in suggesting the most accurate treatments, especially for cancer cells.

Market Overview of Global Single Cell RNA Sequencing

Currently, the global single-cell RNA sequencing market is witnessing major advancements and growth.

North America is anticipated to dominate the market through the forecast period of 2021–2031, mainly due to the high presence of companies offering single-cell RNA products and services in this region.

Opportunities increasing the demand for single-cell RNA sequencing in the healthcare industry:

• Growth of emerging market of single-cell RNA sequencing
• Growth of several new research applications related to single RNA cells.
• Expansion of single-cell product portfolio

As per the market reports of BIS Research, the global single-cell RNA sequencing market is expected to touch the market value of $2,929.7 million in 2031 from $650.0 million in 2020, with a growth rate of 14.48% during the period of 2021–2031.

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Factors pushing the growth of the global single-cell RNA sequencing market are:

• Increasing use of single-cell RNA sequencing techniques in cancer research and treatments
• Reduction in the cost of sequencing methods
• Increasing government budgets for healthcare sectors

Benefits of Using Single-Cell RNA Sequencing Techniques in the Healthcare Sector

The technical advancement of scRNA-Seq techniques has enabled strong and simple access to individual cells in the human body.

With scRNA-Seq techniques, getting accurate insights about the specific cell has become much easier and, in turn, provides a better understanding of several diseases and immunity.

In comparison to the traditional technique, scRNA-Seq allows experts and researchers to better understand single cells in an effective way.

In comparison to the traditional methods, this technology allows you to analyze millions of single cells effectively with better throughput.

Following are some key benefits of using the scRNA-Seq technique:

• Better Understanding

To get an accurate understanding and perform a better analysis of single cells, scRNA-Seq techniques have been widely preferred by experts of healthcare in recent times.

It helps in getting better information on the clonal growth and tumor heterogeneity in the human body. Also, the scRNA-Seq technique helps in the study of cancer stem cells, metastatic clones, drug-resistant clones, and lineage analysis.

Moreover, identifying the cell types and cell markers has become much easier with the adoption of the single-cell RNA-Seq technique.

• Analysis of Rare Cell

The scRNASeq technique helps in understanding the rare types of cells efficiently. The traditional technique used to examine the rare cells was the NGS approach, but this approach was restricted to the use in larger cell populations only and resulted in being an impracticable method of examining rare cells.

However, the use of the scRNASeq technique proved to be more effective in scenarios such as examining rare cells.

In the case of rare cells, the scRNASeq technique can help in easy characterization of the hidden cell populations and effective measurement of the particular cell gene expression.

ScRNASeq technique helps in overcoming the limitation of traditional methods related to analyzing rare cells.

• Support Exploring Complex System

The single-cell RNA sequencing technique helps in better exploring complicated systems beyond the other cell types. It helps in exploring the cell-by-cell molecular and cellular characterization of different cells.

Using the scRNA-Seq technique, it becomes possible for experts and researchers to analyze complex systems like the immune system.

• Detection of Cancer Cells

Cancer is considered a dangerous disease with several complexities. To perform effective treatment and diagnosis for cancer, it is mandatory to examine the presence of cancer stems at an early age.

The scRNASeq technique proves to be an effective solution for scanning the early cancer cells in the body. Therefore, it becomes simple to understand and analyze the cancer cells and map the clone presence in the tumor for the experts.

Currently, the scRNA-Seq technique is being preferred for the research of breast cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and lung cancer.

Conclusion

The future of the scRNA-seq technique is promising and can help the healthcare sector with easy detection of several risky diseases such as Cancer. It can help with better analyzing the individual cells and allow experts to choose effective treatment options for such diseases.