A critical review of single-cell RNA-seq methodologies in comparative studies of non-bilaterian metazoans.

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the literature on single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) studies across non-bilaterian metazoans, focusing on the methodologies used in these studies from scRNA-seq data generation, analysis, and comparative methodologies. Highlighting the evolution of experimental methodologies, such as the transition from well-plate based to droplet-based technologies, this paper discusses the different computational tools used to analyze data from these methods and how these tools evolve over time. Also, this review discusses the importance of consistency of methodology used across studies to facilitate cross-species comparisons, and how databases can facilitate future comparative studies. This review highlights the importance of robust homology methodologies in comparative single-cell analysis and contributes to a deeper understanding of the evolutionary trajectories of multicellularity in early metazoans.