Next-generation sequencing and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies have advanced rapidly in recent years. scRNA-seq reveals the unique gene expression of each cell type, providing directions for exploring cell heterogeneity, cell type-specific responses to injury/disease, and the mechanisms underlying these processes. The development of sequencing technology and improved sequencing throughput have brought about a revolution in single-cell transcriptome study, bringing great benefits to the fields of medicine and biomedical science. From our perspective, certain issues in forensic medicine may potentially be addressed using single-cell transcriptome studies; however, this powerful technique has not yet attracted sufficient attention in forensic medicine-associated research. Therefore, examining and reviewing the latest developments and applications of single-cell transcriptome studies, we present our views on the future directions of forensic research using this technology, aiming to expand the frontiers of forensic science.
Keywords: Age estimation; Forensic diagnosis; Pathogenesis; Post-injury interval; Spatial heterogeneities; scRNA-seq.
© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.