Benign Uroandrological Ecosystem: A Thorough Overview from Single-Cell and Spatial Transcriptomics

Abstract

Benign urological and andrological diseases (BUADs) represent common yet complex clinical challenges, where the diversity and dynamic nature of their microenvironments substantially influence disease onset and progression. In recent years, the emergence of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and spatially resolved transcriptomic (SRT) technologies has provided unprecedented insights into the cellular heterogeneity and spatiotemporal architecture of these disease microenvironments. This review outlines current applications of scRNA-seq and SRT in BUADs, with a focus on their utility in mapping cell–cell interactions, uncovering pathological mechanisms, and prioritizing therapeutic targets. Across the upper urinary tract, prostate, bladder, urethra, and male reproductive organs, single-cell analyses reveal that parenchymal cell dysfunction and microenvironmental remodeling are the core pathological processes of disease progression. This review also discusses the limitations of scRNA-seq/SRT and the existing challenges of current research methods and paradigms in BUADs and outlines future research directions and integrative strategies to facilitate clinical translation and precision medicine. Collectively, these up-to-date findings not only deepen the understanding of the microenvironment in BUADs but also provide a scientific foundation for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.