Advanced omics approaches in liver transplant settings: current applications and future prospectives

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (ST), as advanced omics technologies, have addressed critical challenges in liver transplantation (LT), the most effective treatment for end-stage liver disease. This review aims to summarize the applications and future directions of scRNA-seq and ST in the context of LT. We highlight their role in uncovering immune cell heterogeneity and related injury mechanisms post-transplantation. From a clinician’s perspective, we also outline potential future developments in the application of advanced omics in LT. Specifically, we focus on key immune cells involved in LT, with an emphasis on post-transplant immune responses and ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), as revealed by scRNA-seq and ST. Furthermore, we underscore the importance of multi-omics approaches and dynamic omics analyses in clinical LT research. With ongoing technological advancements, the integration of cutting-edge omics technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) holds great promise for advancing precision medicine in LT. Emphasis should be placed on the value of single-cell and spatial omics technologies in improving precision therapy and clinical management for LT patients.