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Jin Y, Zuo Y, Li G, Liu W, Pan Y, Fan T, Fu X, Yao X, Peng Y. Advances in spatial transcriptomics and its applications in cancer research. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:129. [PMID: 38902727 PMCID: PMC11188176 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02040-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant tumors have increasing morbidity and high mortality, and their occurrence and development is a complicate process. The development of sequencing technologies enabled us to gain a better understanding of the underlying genetic and molecular mechanisms in tumors. In recent years, the spatial transcriptomics sequencing technologies have been developed rapidly and allow the quantification and illustration of gene expression in the spatial context of tissues. Compared with the traditional transcriptomics technologies, spatial transcriptomics technologies not only detect gene expression levels in cells, but also inform the spatial location of genes within tissues, cell composition of biological tissues, and interaction between cells. Here we summarize the development of spatial transcriptomics technologies, spatial transcriptomics tools and its application in cancer research. We also discuss the limitations and challenges of current spatial transcriptomics approaches, as well as future development and prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Jin
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuanli Zuo
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Gang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu, Chengdu, 610061, China
| | - Wenrong Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yitong Pan
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ting Fan
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xin Fu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xiaojun Yao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Public Health Clinical Center of Chengdu, Chengdu, 610061, China.
| | - Yong Peng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Frontier Medical Center, Tianfu Jincheng Laboratory, Chengdu, 610212, China.
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Cilento MA, Sweeney CJ, Butler LM. Spatial transcriptomics in cancer research and potential clinical impact: a narrative review. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:296. [PMID: 38850363 PMCID: PMC11162383 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05816-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Spatial transcriptomics (ST) provides novel insights into the tumor microenvironment (TME). ST allows the quantification and illustration of gene expression profiles in the spatial context of tissues, including both the cancer cells and the microenvironment in which they are found. In cancer research, ST has already provided novel insights into cancer metastasis, prognosis, and immunotherapy responsiveness. The clinical precision oncology application of next-generation sequencing (NGS) and RNA profiling of tumors relies on bulk methods that lack spatial context. The ability to preserve spatial information is now possible, as it allows us to capture tumor heterogeneity and multifocality. In this narrative review, we summarize precision oncology, discuss tumor sequencing in the clinic, and review the available ST research methods, including seqFISH, MERFISH (Vizgen), CosMx SMI (NanoString), Xenium (10x), Visium (10x), Stereo-seq (STOmics), and GeoMx DSP (NanoString). We then review the current ST literature with a focus on solid tumors organized by tumor type. Finally, we conclude by addressing an important question: how will spatial transcriptomics ultimately help patients with cancer?
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Cilento
- South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
- The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, SA, Australia.
| | - Christopher J Sweeney
- South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lisa M Butler
- South Australian Immunogenomics Cancer Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Johnson AL, Lopez-Bertoni H. Cellular diversity through space and time: adding new dimensions to GBM therapeutic development. Front Genet 2024; 15:1356611. [PMID: 38774283 PMCID: PMC11106394 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1356611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The current median survival for glioblastoma (GBM) patients is only about 16 months, with many patients succumbing to the disease in just a matter of months, making it the most common and aggressive primary brain cancer in adults. This poor outcome is, in part, due to the lack of new treatment options with only one FDA-approved treatment in the last decade. Advances in sequencing techniques and transcriptomic analyses have revealed a vast degree of heterogeneity in GBM, from inter-patient diversity to intra-tumoral cellular variability. These cutting-edge approaches are providing new molecular insights highlighting a critical role for the tumor microenvironment (TME) as a driver of cellular plasticity and phenotypic heterogeneity. With this expanded molecular toolbox, the influence of TME factors, including endogenous (e.g., oxygen and nutrient availability and interactions with non-malignant cells) and iatrogenically induced (e.g., post-therapeutic intervention) stimuli, on tumor cell states can be explored to a greater depth. There exists a critical need for interrogating the temporal and spatial aspects of patient tumors at a high, cell-level resolution to identify therapeutically targetable states, interactions and mechanisms. In this review, we discuss advancements in our understanding of spatiotemporal diversity in GBM with an emphasis on the influence of hypoxia and immune cell interactions on tumor cell heterogeneity. Additionally, we describe specific high-resolution spatially resolved methodologies and their potential to expand the impact of pre-clinical GBM studies. Finally, we highlight clinical attempts at targeting hypoxia- and immune-related mechanisms of malignancy and the potential therapeutic opportunities afforded by single-cell and spatial exploration of GBM patient specimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Johnson
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hernando Lopez-Bertoni
- Hugo W. Moser Research Institute at Kennedy Krieger, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurology, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Oncology, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Liu Y, Ali H, Khan F, Pang L, Chen P. Epigenetic regulation of tumor-immune symbiosis in glioma. Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:429-442. [PMID: 38453529 PMCID: PMC11081824 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Glioma is a type of aggressive and incurable brain tumor. Patients with glioma are highly resistant to all types of therapies, including immunotherapies. Epigenetic reprogramming is a key molecular hallmark in tumors across cancer types, including glioma. Mounting evidence highlights a pivotal role of epigenetic regulation in shaping tumor biology and therapeutic responses through mechanisms involving both glioma cells and immune cells, as well as their symbiotic interactions in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation that impacts glioma cell biology and tumor immunity in both a cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous manner. Moreover, we provide an overview of potential therapeutic approaches that can disrupt epigenetic-regulated tumor-immune symbiosis in the glioma TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Liu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Heba Ali
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Fatima Khan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Lizhi Pang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Peiwen Chen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Yu X, Zhao H, Wang R, Chen Y, Ouyang X, Li W, Sun Y, Peng A. Cancer epigenetics: from laboratory studies and clinical trials to precision medicine. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:28. [PMID: 38225241 PMCID: PMC10789753 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01803-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic dysregulation is a common feature of a myriad of human diseases, particularly cancer. Defining the epigenetic defects associated with malignant tumors has become a focus of cancer research resulting in the gradual elucidation of cancer cell epigenetic regulation. In fact, most stages of tumor progression, including tumorigenesis, promotion, progression, and recurrence are accompanied by epigenetic alterations, some of which can be reversed by epigenetic drugs. The main objective of epigenetic therapy in the era of personalized precision medicine is to detect cancer biomarkers to improve risk assessment, diagnosis, and targeted treatment interventions. Rapid technological advancements streamlining the characterization of molecular epigenetic changes associated with cancers have propelled epigenetic drug research and development. This review summarizes the main mechanisms of epigenetic dysregulation and discusses past and present examples of epigenetic inhibitors in cancer diagnosis and treatment, with an emphasis on the development of epigenetic enzyme inhibitors or drugs. In the final part, the prospect of precise diagnosis and treatment is considered based on a better understanding of epigenetic abnormalities in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyang Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Hao Zhao
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Yichang Central People's Hospital Affiliated with China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443000, China
| | - Ruiqi Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhuhai People's Hospital, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, 519000, China
| | - Yingyin Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Xumei Ouyang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Wenting Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China
| | - Yihao Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China.
| | - Anghui Peng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Interventional Diagnosis and Treatment, Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, (Zhuhai People's Hospital Zhuhai Clinical Medical College of Jinan University), Zhuhai, 519000, China.
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