Evolving strategies for lineage tracing: Genetic markers, synthetic barcodes, and natural variants
Abstract
Elucidating cell fate decision-making requires linking lineage history to dynamic phenotypic states. Driven by single-cell sequencing and genome engineering, lineage tracing has evolved from observational studies into a multidimensional, high-throughput discipline. Here, we synthesize its three methodological pillars: prospective tracking via genetic markers, high-throughput mapping using synthetic barcodes, and retrospective tracing leveraging endogenous natural variants. We survey their integration with multi-omics and spatial profiling, alongside computational approaches to decode cell fates from lineage data. By detailing each approach's trade-offs, we offer a systematic guide for experimental design and highlight emerging frontiers for translating precision clonal analysis into the clinic.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Cancer Genomics and Diagnostics
Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics
Genomics and Rare Diseases
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cell stem cell
- Publisher
- Elsevier BV
- Volume
- 33
- Issue
- 7
- Pages
- 1066–1083
- Publication date
- 29 May 2026
- Language
- EN