Refining Tumor Microenvironment Insights via Single-Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics for Precision Medicine

Xianbing Wang

doi:10.54097/frv8k228

Authors

Xianbing Wang

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54097/frv8k228

Keywords:

Single-cell transcriptomics, spatial transcriptomics, tumor microenvironment, precision medicine, multi-omics integrative analysis.

Abstract

The heterogeneity and dynamic evolution of the tumor microenvironment (TME) are key drivers of tumor progression, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance. Traditional transcriptomic approaches are limited by their reliance on population-averaged data and the lack of spatial context, making it challenging to fully dissect the complex interactions among tumor cells, immune infiltrates, and stromal components within the TME. In recent years, the synergistic advancement of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (ST) has revolutionized our ability to construct high-resolution cellular atlases and delineate spatially organized functional modules within the TME. These technologies have enabled the identification of novel cell subtypes, cell-cell communication pathways, and spatial niches associated with disease progression and therapy response. This review systematically compiles recent technological breakthroughs in the integration of single-cell and spatial multi-omics, highlights key discoveries in TME research, and discusses their transformative impact on the development of precision oncology. Additionally, it addresses current technical limitations and explores emerging strategies and future directions for advancing this rapidly evolving field.

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