Applications of single-cell multi-omics in liver cancer

Primary liver cancer, more specifically hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), remains a significant global health problem with an increasing incidence and mortality.Clinical, biological, and molecular heterogeneity are well-known hallmarks of cancer and HCC is considered to be one of the most heterogeneous tumour types, displaying substantial interpatient, intertumoural and intratumoural variability. This heterogeneity plays a pivotal role in hepatocarcinogenesis, metastasis, relapse and drug response or resistance.Unimodal single-cell sequencing techniques have already revolutionized our insights of the different layers of molecular hierarchy in the tumour microenvironment of HCC. By highlighting the cellular heterogeneity and the intricate interactions among cancer, immune and stromal cells before and during treatment, these techniques have contributed to a deeper comprehension of tumour clonality, hematogenous spreading and the mechanisms of action of immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, major questions remain to be elucidated, with the identification of biomarkers predicting response or resistance to immunotherapy-based regimens as an important unmet clinical need.Although the application of single-cell multi-omics in liver cancer research has been limited thus far, a revolution of individualized care for HCC patients will only be possible by integrating various unimodal methods in multi-omics methodologies at the single cell resolution.In this review, we will highlight the different established single-cell sequencing techniques and explore their biological and clinical impact on liver cancer research, while casting a glance into the future role of multi-omics in this dynamical and rapidly evolving field.