Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (13): 3446-3457.doi: 10.12307/2026.204

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Hot spot and current status of single-cell RNA sequencing in stroke field

Cao Lifang1, Chen Tao1, Shou Jiayin1, Fan Fangfang1, 2   

  1. 1Guizhou Medical University, Gui'an New Area 561113, Guizhou Province, China;2Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
  • Accepted:2025-09-11 Online:2026-05-08 Published:2025-12-26
  • Contact: Fan Fangfang, PhD, Associate professor, Master's supervisor, Guizhou Medical University, Gui'an New Area 561113, Guizhou Province, China; Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
  • About author:Cao Lifang, Guizhou Medical University. Gui'an New Area 561113, Guizhou Province, China
  • Supported by:
    National Natural Science Foundation of China, No. 82460781 (to FFF); China Postdoctoral Science Foundation, No. 2022MD723771 (to FFF)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Single-cell RNA sequencing technology has overcome the limitations of traditional sequencing methods in studying cellular heterogeneity and elucidates the dynamic functional changes of neural cells following stroke. Currently, there remains a paucity of comprehensive reviews summarizing the application of single-cell RNA sequencing in stroke research.
OBJECTIVE: To systematically analyze the recent applications and emerging trends of single-cell RNA sequencing in stroke research to provide a theoretical foundation for advancing prevention and treatment strategies. 
METHODS: Relevant literature was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection using the search query "TS=(stroke) AND TS=(Single-cell sequencing)" with a time span from January 2013 to December 2024. After screening, 160 valid articles were included. Statistical analysis and visualization were conducted using Excel and Citespace 6.4.R2 software, focusing on multiple dimensions including countries, institutions, authors, keywords, and co-cited references.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Over the past decade, single-cell RNA sequencing applications in stroke research have shown consistent growth, culminating in a peak of 64 publications in 2024. China (98 articles) and the United States (50 articles) emerged as leading research forces, though China exhibits lower betweenness centrality in international research collaboration compared to the United States, suggesting enhanced transnational cooperation is required to improve global influence. Key institutions including Capital Medical University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Stanford University have formed research teams led by principal investigators Zhang Jianmin, Lu Jianan, and Li Huaming, focusing on microglial heterogeneity and neurovascular unit dysfunction. Keyword analysis revealed that microglial activation-associated neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, and angiogenesis constitute major research hotspots in stroke mechanisms, while molecular docking combined with single-cell RNA sequencing integrated analysis has emerged as a novel paradigm for targeted stroke drug discovery. Co-citation analysis identified transcriptional characteristics of pro-inflammatory and repair-oriented microglial subpopulations through single-cell RNA sequencing, along with their regulatory mechanisms on inflammation and apoptosis via the tumor necrosis factor-α/interleukin-6 signaling pathway. These findings indicate that single-cell RNA sequencing technology has elucidated novel mechanisms in stroke pathogenesis through decoding cellular heterogeneity, while the integration with molecular docking analysis has accelerated high-throughput screening of targeted therapeutic agents. Future integration with spatial omics and artificial intelligence may overcome current limitations of single-cell RNA sequencing, thereby providing robust research tools for developing innovative therapeutic strategies against stroke.

Key words: single-cell RNA sequencing, stroke, molecular docking, microglia, inflammation, neuronal apoptosis, visualization analysis

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