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Review
. 2023 Nov 16;28(1):529.
doi: 10.1186/s40001-023-01504-w.

The molecular landscape of neurological disorders: insights from single-cell RNA sequencing in neurology and neurosurgery

Wireko Andrew Awuah  1 , Arjun Ahluwalia  2 , Shankaneel Ghosh  3 , Sakshi Roy  2 , Joecelyn Kirani Tan  4 , Favour Tope Adebusoye  5 , Tomas Ferreira  6 , Hareesha Rishab Bharadwaj  7 , Vallabh Shet  8 , Mrinmoy Kundu  3 , Amanda Leong Weng Yee  9 , Toufik Abdul-Rahman  1 , Oday Atallah  10
Affiliations
Review

The molecular landscape of neurological disorders: insights from single-cell RNA sequencing in neurology and neurosurgery

Wireko Andrew Awuah et al. Eur J Med Res. .

Abstract

Single-cell ribonucleic acid sequencing (scRNA-seq) has emerged as a transformative technology in neurological and neurosurgical research, revolutionising our comprehension of complex neurological disorders. In brain tumours, scRNA-seq has provided valuable insights into cancer heterogeneity, the tumour microenvironment, treatment resistance, and invasion patterns. It has also elucidated the brain tri-lineage cancer hierarchy and addressed limitations of current models. Neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis have been molecularly subtyped, dysregulated pathways have been identified, and potential therapeutic targets have been revealed using scRNA-seq. In epilepsy, scRNA-seq has explored the cellular and molecular heterogeneity underlying the condition, uncovering unique glial subpopulations and dysregulation of the immune system. ScRNA-seq has characterised distinct cellular constituents and responses to spinal cord injury in spinal cord diseases, as well as provided molecular signatures of various cell types and identified interactions involved in vascular remodelling. Furthermore, scRNA-seq has shed light on the molecular complexities of cerebrovascular diseases, such as stroke, providing insights into specific genes, cell-specific expression patterns, and potential therapeutic interventions. This review highlights the potential of scRNA-seq in guiding precision medicine approaches, identifying clinical biomarkers, and facilitating therapeutic discovery. However, challenges related to data analysis, standardisation, sample acquisition, scalability, and cost-effectiveness need to be addressed. Despite these challenges, scRNA-seq has the potential to transform clinical practice in neurological and neurosurgical research by providing personalised insights and improving patient outcomes.

Keywords: Brain tumours; Cerebrovascular diseases; Epilepsy and seizure disorders; Neurodegenerative disorders; Neurology; Neurosurgery; Single-cell RNA sequencing; Spinal cord diseases.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The general process of conducting single-cell RNA sequencing experiments. (Created with Krita.org). mRNA messenger ribonucleic acid, cDNA complementary deoxyribonucleic acid, NGS next generation sequencing
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
The utility of single-cell RNA sequencing in understanding tumour heterogeneity in glioblastoma multiforme. scRNA-seq single-cell ribonucleic acid sequencing, GBM glioblastoma multiforme, VEGF-A vascular endothelial growth factor-A, DNA deoxyribonucleic acid, G0 Phase Gap 0 Phase, G1 Gap 1, S synthesis, G2 Gap 2, M mitosis
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
The utility of single-cell ribonucleic acid sequencing in predicting tumour progression and recurrence, as well as clinical outcome in meningiomas. scRNA sequencing, single-cell ribonucleic acid sequencing, HLA human leukocyte antigen, NF2 neurofibromin 2, SULT1E1 sulfotransferase family 1E member 1
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Uncovering cellular heterogeneity in neurodegenerative diseases using single-cell RNA sequencing (created with Biorender.com). ScRNA sequencing, single-cell ribonucleic acid sequencing, GFAP glial fibrillary acidic protein, CADPS2 calcium-dependent secretion activator 2, TH tyrosine hydroxylase
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Understanding disease pathways and processes in epilepsy and seizure disorders using single-cell RNA sequencing. (using Biorender.com). scRNA-seq single-cell RNA sequencing, IL-1 interleukin 1, SUDEP sudden unexpected death in epilepsy, OPC oligodendrocyte progenitor cells, IL1B interleukin-1 beta
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Insights into single-cell RNA sequencing in cellular dynamics and molecular responses following spinal cord injury. (Created with Krita.org). ScRNA-seq single-cell RNA sequencing, DAM disease associated microglia, SPP1 secreted phosphoprotein 1, IGF1 insulin-like growth factor 1
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
The cellular dynamics and molecular responses to cerebrovascular disorders using single-cell RNA sequencing. (Created with Biorender.com). scRNA-seq single-cell RNA sequencing
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