Advances in Single-Cell Transcriptomics in Animal Research

The document reviews the advancements in single-cell transcriptomics, particularly single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq), in animal research, with a focus on livestock. This technology allows for detailed analysis of gene expression in individual cells, providing insights into cellular functions, interactions, and regulatory networks. It has been instrumental in understanding nutrient metabolism, immune responses, reproductive performance, and economic traits like meat production and fleece quality. Despite challenges such as small sample sizes and the need for improved cell capture techniques, scRNA-Seq has facilitated the identification of key genes and pathways, enhancing our understanding of livestock biology and improving animal husbandry practices. Future research aims to address these challenges by increasing sample sizes, integrating multi-omics approaches, and utilizing organoids for more precise studies.