The Use of Single-Cell RNA-Sequencing and Spatial Transcriptomics in Understanding the Pathogenesis and Treatment of Skin Diseases

The development of multiomic profiling tools has rapidly expanded in recent years, along with their use in profiling skin tissues in various contexts, including dermatologic diseases. Among these tools, single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (ST) have emerged as widely adopted and powerful assays for elucidating key cellular components and their spatial arrangement within skin disease. In this paper, we review the recent biological insights gained from the use of scRNA-seq and ST and the advantages of combining both for profiling skin diseases, including aberrant wound healing, inflammatory skin diseases, and cancer. We discuss the role of scRNA-seq and ST in improving skin disease treatments and moving toward the goal of achieving precision medicine in dermatology, whereby patients can be optimally matched to treatments that maximize therapeutic response.