Technological Innovations and Applications of Spatial Transcriptomics in Livestock and Poultry Research

ABSTRACT Rapid progress in sequencing technology has made it possible to study the genome and transcriptional maps of single cells. However, to fully grasp the intricacies of multicellular organisms, methods that enable high‐throughput measurements while retaining spatial information about the tissue context or subcellular localization of the analyzed nucleic acids are essential. Over the past few years, as transcriptome research has advanced, the limitations of traditional transcriptomic approaches have become increasingly evident. In response, innovative sequencing techniques, such as spatial transcriptome sequencing, have emerged to better accommodate diverse research contexts. This review offers a comprehensive examination of the evolution and limitations of spatial transcriptomics. We summarize its applications in livestock and poultry research and explore its potential future developments. By providing insights into the current state and future directions of spatial transcriptomics, this review highlights its importance in advancing our understanding of complex biological systems.