Single-cell PCR technology and its applications

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) serves as the foundation of molecular biology experiments, while single-cell PCR (sc-PCR) is a technique for analyzing gene expression and genomic differences at the single-cell level. By circumventing the numerous issues associated with multicellular studies, sc-PCR provides a powerful tool for revealing cellular heterogeneity, tracking cell lineages, and dissecting complex biological systems, thereby opening new perspectives in life science research. In recent years, sc-PCR technology has achieved significant advancements in sensitivity, specificity, and multiplex detection capabilities, emerging as a relatively mature research method. This paper systematically reviews the operational procedures and key technical challenges of sc-PCR, with a focus on its research methodologies and applications in constructing gene expression profiles and conducting genetic analyses. The aim is to highlight the structural integration and conceptual refinement of this review, offering more valuable reference content for researchers in related fields.