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Updated: May 31, 2026

Lineage Tracing and Clonal Analysis in Developing Cerebral Cortex Using Mosaic Analysis with Double Markers (MADM)
Published on: May 8, 2020
Evolving strategies for lineage tracing: Genetic markers, synthetic barcodes, and natural variants
Zhixin Kang1, Hui Chen2, Siyang Li3
1Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China.
Abstract:
Elucidating cell fate decision-making requires linking lineage history to dynamic phenotypic states. Driven by single-cell sequencing and genome engineering, lineage tracing has evolved from observational studies into a multidimensional, high-throughput discipline. Here, we synthesize its three methodological pillars: prospective tracking via genetic markers, high-throughput mapping using synthetic barcodes, and retrospective tracing leveraging endogenous natural variants. We survey their integration with multi-omics and spatial profiling, alongside computational approaches to decode cell fates from lineage data. By detailing each approach's trade-offs, we offer a systematic guide for experimental design and highlight emerging frontiers for translating precision clonal analysis into the clinic.
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