Tracking the evolution, global trends, and research hotspots in the rapidly growing field of spatial transcriptomics
Spatial transcriptomics has emerged as a revolutionary technology that enables researchers to profile gene expression within the context of tissue architecture 1 . This approach overcomes the limitation of traditional single-cell RNA sequencing, which loses crucial spatial information during tissue dissociation 2 .
The field of spatial transcriptomics has experienced exponential growth since its inception, transforming our understanding of tissue organization and function in both health and disease 3 .
Bibliometric analysis provides a quantitative approach to examine the development of research fields, identify emerging trends, and map scientific collaborations 4 . This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the spatial transcriptomics literature from 2006 to 2023, capturing the evolution of this rapidly advancing field.
This bibliometric analysis was conducted using data extracted from the Web of Science core collection database. The search strategy included keywords related to spatial transcriptomics and associated technologies.
Publications from 2006 to 2023 were retrieved using a comprehensive search strategy.
Articles were screened for relevance, and duplicates were removed.
Bibliometric indicators including publication counts, citations, and collaboration networks were analyzed.
Comprehensive search strategy applied to Web of Science database
Cleaning, deduplication, and standardization of bibliographic records
Publication trends, citation analysis, and productivity metrics
Collaboration networks, co-citation analysis, and keyword co-occurrence
Chart: Annual publication count in spatial transcriptomics (2006-2023)
World map showing spatial transcriptomics research output by country
| Country | Publications | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
| United States | 642 | 34.9 |
| China | 398 | 21.6 |
| United Kingdom | 187 | 10.2 |
| Germany | 124 | 6.7 |
| Sweden | 98 | 5.3 |
Chart: Keyword co-occurrence network showing research themes
| Journal | Publications | IF (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Nature Communications | 87 | 16.6 |
| Nature | 52 | 64.8 |
| Cell | 41 | 66.8 |
| Science | 38 | 56.9 |
| Nature Methods | 35 | 48.0 |
Leading journal in spatial transcriptomics publications
The bibliometric analysis reveals several important trends in the spatial transcriptomics literature:
The United States maintains leadership in spatial transcriptomics research, but China has shown remarkable growth in recent years 1 . European countries, particularly the UK, Germany, and Sweden, also contribute significantly to the field.
International collaborations account for over one-third of publications, indicating the global nature of spatial biology research 1 . Collaborative networks often form around methodological development and large-scale atlas projects.
Keyword analysis reveals strong connections between spatial transcriptomics and cancer research, neuroscience, and developmental biology 1 . Methodological papers focusing on resolution and technology improvement represent another major theme.
The convergence of spatial transcriptomics with other omics technologies and artificial intelligence represents the next frontier in spatial biology research 6 7 .
This bibliometric analysis has several limitations, including database coverage constraints and the challenge of accurately categorizing interdisciplinary research. Future studies could benefit from:
This bibliometric analysis provides a comprehensive overview of the spatial transcriptomics literature from 2006 to 2023. The field has experienced remarkable growth, particularly in recent years, and is characterized by strong international collaborations and publication in high-impact journals.
Spatial transcriptomics is in an exponential growth phase with increasing scientific output
International collaborations drive innovation in this interdisciplinary field
Research spans methodology development and applications in cancer, neuroscience, and development
As spatial technologies continue to evolve and become more accessible, they are poised to transform both basic biological research and clinical practice, ultimately contributing to the advancement of precision medicine 8 .