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Published on: December 16, 2017
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When imaging technology meets single-cell omics: new paradigm in developmental biology
Chunling Wang1, Xuejing Zhang1, Yifan Zhang1
1Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Cell and Developmental Biology, School of Life Sciences, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, China.
Cell Regeneration (London, England)
|December 17, 2025
Summary
Advanced imaging and single-cell omics are revolutionizing developmental biology. Integrating these technologies provides a dynamic, multi-scale view of cellular processes and molecular mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Systems Biology
- Microscopy
- Omics
Background:
- Developmental biology research traditionally relies on static observations.
- Advanced imaging and single-cell omics offer dynamic, high-resolution insights.
- Existing methods have limitations, such as lack of molecular detail in imaging or loss of spatial context in omics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the integration of advanced imaging and single-cell omics technologies.
- To highlight how this integration bridges cellular behaviors with molecular mechanisms.
- To showcase the multi-scale perspectives gained on developmental processes.
Main Methods:
- Super-resolution microscopy for nanoscale subcellular dynamics.
- Light-sheet fluorescence microscopy for long-term, multi-scale volumetric imaging.
- Single-cell omics (transcriptomics, proteomics) for molecular heterogeneity and lineage tracing.
- Spatially resolved transcriptomics for mapping gene expression in native tissues.
Main Results:
- Integration overcomes limitations of individual techniques (e.g., combining spatial information with molecular data).
- Provides unprecedented multi-scale perspectives on embryogenesis, organogenesis, and neural patterning.
- Enables a comprehensive understanding of "when," "where," and "how" in development.
Conclusions:
- The convergence of imaging and omics establishes a new paradigm in developmental biology.
- Resolves longstanding questions by synergistically capturing dynamic biological processes.
- Facilitates a mechanistic and predictive understanding of development and disease progression.
