Single-Cell-Resolution Biology and Technology: Advances from Single-Cell RNA-Seq towards Integrative Understanding

Dear Colleagues,

Since its introduction in the late 2000s, single-cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) has revolutionized our ability to study transcriptomics at the individual cell level. This technology enables the detailed examination of cell-to-cell variations, enhancing our understanding of developmental biology, disease progression, and therapeutic responses. Today, applying the rapid advancements in integrative single-cell biology approaches, such as spatial transcriptomics and multi-omics, is pushing the boundaries of our understanding of single-cell biology even further.

The primary aim of this Special Issue is to shine a spotlight on the latest developments and address significant challenges in the field of single-cell biology and technology, including scRNA-seq. We invite submissions of original research articles, reviews, and perspective pieces that explore innovative methodologies, data analysis techniques, and integrative approaches. This issue intends to serve as a comprehensive resource for omics researchers, offering insights into the current state of the technology, its applications, and its future directions.

Call for Papers:

• Technological Innovations: We seek contributions discussing advances in single-cell biology and technology, including scRNA-seq technology’s improved throughput, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. Submissions that focus on novel platforms or enhancements to existing platforms that enhance the feasibility and efficiency of single-cell analysis are encouraged.
• Computational Methods and Data Analysis: Papers that introduce new algorithms, software, or analytical frameworks designed to process, analyze, or interpret data from biology and technology at a single-cell resolution are welcome. This includes advancements in clustering, dimensionality reduction, trajectory analysis, and the integration of multi-omics data and spatial information.
• Biological Insights and Applications: We welcome research articles utilizing scRNA-seq or related technologies to decipher biology at a single-cell resolution, revealing novel biological insights into development, disease progression, or therapeutic responses, alongside papers demonstrating the use of these technologies across various biological systems and disease models.
• Integration with Other Omics Approaches: Contributions highlighting the integration of scRNA-seq with other genomic or proteomic techniques, such as scATAC-seq, single-cell proteomics, or spatial transcriptomics, will provide a more comprehensive understanding of cellular function and identity.
• Challenges and Solutions: We invite discussions on significant challenges in the field, such as data sparsity, noise, and complex sample preparation issues. Articles proposing innovative solutions or improvements are particularly welcome.
• Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications: Papers addressing ethical, privacy, and regulatory aspects of single-cell biology, especially in human studies, are sought, including contributions that discuss policies for data sharing, patient consent, and the application of single-cell-level data in personalized medicine.
• Reviews and Perspectives: We seek comprehensive reviews summarizing recent advances, current challenges, and future trends in biology and technology at a single-cell resolution. Perspective pieces that offer insights into the future of single-cell biology and technology, potential new applications, and emerging areas are encouraged.

Dr. Sijung Yun
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Genes is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• single-cell resolution
• scRNA-seq
• spatial transcriptomics
• multi-omics