Spatial transcriptomics: challenges and future directions in musculoskeletal diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines recent advancements in spatial transcriptomics and its current and potential use to advance musculoskeletal (MSK) research. These insights will be vital to address the complexity of MSK diseases and will pave the way for future therapeutic developments. RECENT FINDINGS: The advent of next-generation sequencing has significantly improved our understanding of the cellular and transcriptomic heterogeneity in the MSK system. Spatial transcriptomics has revolutionized research allowing in-situ gene expression analyses directly from intact histological sections. Understanding spatial transcriptomes of cells within tissues will shed light into the biological complexity of MSK diseases. Here, we summarize the role of spatial transcriptomics in unveiling molecular mechanisms underlying MSK diseases and the challenges prohibiting its widespread application in MSK research, and opportunities to overcome these challenges. SUMMARY: We provide a summary of emerging techniques in spatial transcriptomic field and its use in advancing MSK research. Furthermore, challenges in its application in MSK tissues are discussed as well as potential future considerations to improve spatial transcriptomics insights.