Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics in the discovery of kidney disease potential biomarkers: a narrative review

The kidney maintains the structural and functional integrity of the human body through its sophisticated internal architecture. Specialized cell types are organized into distinct compartments, each serving specific functions. Recent advancements in sequencing technologies, such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (ST), have significantly enhanced our understanding of the cellular-level pathophysiological mechanisms underlying disease onset and progression, leading to the discovery of numerous biomarkers. This review summarizes the latest applications and advancements in scRNA-seq and its integration with ST in the discovery of potential biomarkers for kidney diseases, offering new perspectives and directions for future research and clinical applications.