The value of single-cell sequencing in oral squamous cell carcinoma research

Abstract

Single-cell sequencing (SCS) has great potential in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) research. With the development of SCS technology, its sensitivity and accuracy are gradually increasing, while its cost is gradually decreasing. SCS is poised to become a crucial technological tool in cancer research. SCS technology provides significant assistance in the discovery of new cell-specific markers and cell types by identifying differential gene expression and epigenetic information alterations caused by genomic mutations at the resolution of a single cell. In OSCC studies, SCS not only helps unveil the heterogeneity of cancer cells and provides more accurate understanding of the tumor microenvironment, but also facilitates a deeper exploration of the interactions between OSCC cells, immune cells and stromal cells. This sheds light on their mutual influences and roles in tumor initiation and progression. Utilizing SCS to classify immune cells in tumors and comprehend immune escape mechanisms is pivotal for the effective development of immunotherapy. This comprehensive review outlined the current status of SCS technology development and discussed its latest research advancements and prospective applications in the field of OSCC.

Keywords

• |oral squamous cell carcinoma|single-cell sequencing|tumor heterogeneity|tumor immune response|tumor microenvironment