Advancing the molecular and cellular study of bats with new technologies and methods

Bats are unique among mammals, possessing extraordinary adaptations such as self-powered flight, echolocation, longevity, and antiviral immunity. These adaptations have contributed to the rapid diversification of bat lineages over a short evolutionary period. Research on bat biology has focused extensively on the species diversity, the evolutionary mechanisms behind their adaptations, and the molecular basis of their antiviral immune responses. Recent studies, increasingly utilizing advanced technologies such as multi-omics, single-cell sequencing, and organoid systems, have significantly expanded our understanding of the molecular and cellular biology of bats. This review synthesizes the major advances in bat biology at the molecular and cellular levels, with emphasis on species diversity, development, and implications for human disease. We also highlight innovative methodologies and outline future directions likely to accelerate these progresses in the molecular and cellular studies of bats. With the ongoing development of new animal models and the application of cutting-edge biotechniques, bats are poised to become an even more valuable resource for life sciences and biomedical research.