Single-cell RNA sequencing in ovarian cancer: revealing new perspectives in the tumor microenvironment

Abstract

Single-cell sequencing technology has emerged as a pivotal tool for unraveling the complexities of the ovarian tumor microenvironment (TME), which is characterized by its cellular heterogeneity and intricate cell-to-cell interactions. Ovarian cancer (OC), known for its high lethality among gynecologic malignancies, presents significant challenges in treatment and diagnosis, partly due to the complexity of its TME. The application of single-cell sequencing in ovarian cancer research has enabled the detailed characterization of gene expression profiles at the single-cell level, shedding light on the diverse cell populations within the TME, including cancer cells, stromal cells, and immune cells. This high-resolution mapping has been instrumental in understanding the roles of these cells in tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, and drug resistance. By providing insight into the signaling pathways and cell-to-cell communication mechanisms, single-cell sequencing facilitates the identification of novel therapeutic targets and the development of personalized medicine approaches. This review summarizes the advancement and application of single-cell sequencing in studying the stromal components and the broader TME in OC, highlighting its implications for improving diagnosis, treatment strategies, and understanding of the disease's underlying biology.