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Yan Y, Zhu S, Jia M, Chen X, Qi W, Gu F, Valencak TG, Liu JX, Sun HZ. Advances in single-cell transcriptomics in animal research. J Anim Sci Biotechnol 2024; 15:102. [PMID: 39090689 PMCID: PMC11295521 DOI: 10.1186/s40104-024-01063-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding biological mechanisms is fundamental for improving animal production and health to meet the growing demand for high-quality protein. As an emerging biotechnology, single-cell transcriptomics has been gradually applied in diverse aspects of animal research, offering an effective method to study the gene expression of high-throughput single cells of different tissues/organs in animals. In an unprecedented manner, researchers have identified cell types/subtypes and their marker genes, inferred cellular fate trajectories, and revealed cell‒cell interactions in animals using single-cell transcriptomics. In this paper, we introduce the development of single-cell technology and review the processes, advancements, and applications of single-cell transcriptomics in animal research. We summarize recent efforts using single-cell transcriptomics to obtain a more profound understanding of animal nutrition and health, reproductive performance, genetics, and disease models in different livestock species. Moreover, the practical experience accumulated based on a large number of cases is highlighted to provide a reference for determining key factors (e.g., sample size, cell clustering, and cell type annotation) in single-cell transcriptomics analysis. We also discuss the limitations and outlook of single-cell transcriptomics in the current stage. This paper describes the comprehensive progress of single-cell transcriptomics in animal research, offering novel insights and sustainable advancements in agricultural productivity and animal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunan Yan
- Institute of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Senlin Zhu
- Institute of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Minghui Jia
- Institute of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xinyi Chen
- Institute of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Wenlingli Qi
- Institute of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fengfei Gu
- Institute of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Cow Genetic Improvement and Milk Quality Research of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Teresa G Valencak
- Institute of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Agency for Health and Food Safety Austria, 1220, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jian-Xin Liu
- Institute of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Hui-Zeng Sun
- Institute of Dairy Science, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Molecular Animal Nutrition, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Cow Genetic Improvement and Milk Quality Research of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China.
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Blake MJ, Steer CJ. Chimeric Livers: Interspecies Blastocyst Complementation and Xenotransplantation for End-Stage Liver Disease. Hepat Med 2024; 16:11-29. [PMID: 38379783 PMCID: PMC10878318 DOI: 10.2147/hmer.s440697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) currently serves as the sole definitive treatment for thousands of patients suffering from end-stage liver disease; and the existing supply of donor livers for OLT is drastically outpaced by the increasing demand. To alleviate this significant gap in treatment, several experimental approaches have been devised with the aim of either offering interim support to patients waiting on the transplant list or bioengineering complete livers for OLT by infusing them with fresh hepatic cells. Recently, interspecies blastocyst complementation has emerged as a promising method for generating complete organs in utero over a short timeframe. When coupled with gene editing technology, it has brought about a potentially revolutionary transformation in regenerative medicine. Blastocyst complementation harbors notable potential for generating complete human livers in large animals, which could be used for xenotransplantation in humans, addressing the scarcity of livers for OLT. Nevertheless, substantial experimental and ethical challenges still need to be overcome to produce human livers in larger domestic animals like pigs. This review compiles the current understanding of interspecies blastocyst complementation and outlines future possibilities for liver xenotransplantation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn J Blake
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Clifford J Steer
- Departments of Medicine, and Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Lou Y. Xenotransplantation: Advancing Medical Innovation Through Cross-Species Transplantation. Cell Transplant 2024; 33:9636897241260091. [PMID: 38840506 PMCID: PMC11155348 DOI: 10.1177/09636897241260091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Lou
- SAGE Consulting (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
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