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Han S, Xu Q, Du Y, Tang C, Cui H, Xia X, Zheng R, Sun Y, Shang H. Single-cell spatial transcriptomics in cardiovascular development, disease, and medicine. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101163. [PMID: 39224111 PMCID: PMC11367031 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.101163] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) impose a significant burden worldwide. Despite the elucidation of the etiology and underlying molecular mechanisms of CVDs by numerous studies and recent discovery of effective drugs, their morbidity, disability, and mortality are still high. Therefore, precise risk stratification and effective targeted therapies for CVDs are warranted. Recent improvements in single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics have improved our understanding of the mechanisms and cells involved in cardiovascular phylogeny and CVDs. Single-cell RNA sequencing can facilitate the study of the human heart at remarkably high resolution and cellular and molecular heterogeneity. However, this technique does not provide spatial information, which is essential for understanding homeostasis and disease. Spatial transcriptomics can elucidate intracellular interactions, transcription factor distribution, cell spatial localization, and molecular profiles of mRNA and identify cell populations causing the disease and their underlying mechanisms, including cell crosstalk. Herein, we introduce the main methods of RNA-seq and spatial transcriptomics analysis and highlight the latest advances in cardiovascular research. We conclude that single-cell RNA sequencing interprets disease progression in multiple dimensions, levels, perspectives, and dynamics by combining spatial and temporal characterization of the clinical phenome with multidisciplinary techniques such as spatial transcriptomics. This aligns with the dynamic evolution of CVDs (e.g., "angina-myocardial infarction-heart failure" in coronary artery disease). The study of pathways for disease onset and mechanisms (e.g., age, sex, comorbidities) in different patient subgroups should improve disease diagnosis and risk stratification. This can facilitate precise individualized treatment of CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songjie Han
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Qianqian Xu
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yawen Du
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Chuwei Tang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Herong Cui
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Xiaofeng Xia
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Rui Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Hongcai Shang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100700, China
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Harris A, Andl T. Precancerous Lesions of the Head and Neck Region and Their Stromal Aberrations: Piecemeal Data. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082192. [PMID: 37190121 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) develop through a series of precancerous stages from a pool of potentially malignant disorders (PMDs). Although we understand the genetic changes that lead to HNSCC, our understanding of the role of the stroma in the progression from precancer to cancer is limited. The stroma is the primary battleground between the forces that prevent and promote cancer growth. Targeting the stroma has yielded promising cancer therapies. However, the stroma at the precancerous stage of HNSCCs is poorly defined, and we may miss opportunities for chemopreventive interventions. PMDs already exhibit many features of the HNSCC stroma, such as inflammation, neovascularization, and immune suppression. Still, they do not induce cancer-associated fibroblasts or destroy the basal lamina, the stroma's initial structure. Our review aims to summarize the current understanding of the transition from precancer to cancer stroma and how this knowledge can reveal opportunities and limitations for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic decisions to benefit patients. We will discuss what may be needed to fulfill the promise of the precancerous stroma as a target to prevent progression to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashlee Harris
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 12722 Research Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
| | - Thomas Andl
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, 12722 Research Pkwy, Orlando, FL 32826, USA
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Diez-Fraile A, De Ceulaer J, Derpoorter C, Spaas C, De Backer T, Lamoral P, Abeloos J, Lammens T. Tracking the Molecular Fingerprint of Head and Neck Cancer for Recurrence Detection in Liquid Biopsies. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052403. [PMID: 35269544 PMCID: PMC8910330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The 5-year relative survival for patients with head and neck cancer, the seventh most common form of cancer worldwide, was reported as 67% in developed countries in the second decade of the new millennium. Although surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or combined treatment often elicits an initial satisfactory response, relapses are frequently observed within two years. Current surveillance methods, including clinical exams and imaging evaluations, have not unambiguously demonstrated a survival benefit, most probably due to a lack of sensitivity in detecting very early recurrence. Recently, liquid biopsy monitoring of the molecular fingerprint of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has been proposed and investigated as a strategy for longitudinal patient care. These innovative methods offer rapid, safe, and highly informative genetic analysis that can identify small tumors not yet visible by advanced imaging techniques, thus potentially shortening the time to treatment and improving survival outcomes. In this review, we provide insights into the available evidence that the molecular tumor fingerprint can be used in the surveillance of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Challenges to overcome, prior to clinical implementation, are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Araceli Diez-Fraile
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Surgery, General Hospital Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende A.V., 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (A.D.-F.); (J.D.C.); (C.S.); (T.D.B.); (P.L.); (J.A.)
| | - Joke De Ceulaer
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Surgery, General Hospital Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende A.V., 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (A.D.-F.); (J.D.C.); (C.S.); (T.D.B.); (P.L.); (J.A.)
| | - Charlotte Derpoorter
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (C.R.I.G.), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christophe Spaas
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Surgery, General Hospital Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende A.V., 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (A.D.-F.); (J.D.C.); (C.S.); (T.D.B.); (P.L.); (J.A.)
| | - Tom De Backer
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Surgery, General Hospital Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende A.V., 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (A.D.-F.); (J.D.C.); (C.S.); (T.D.B.); (P.L.); (J.A.)
| | - Philippe Lamoral
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Surgery, General Hospital Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende A.V., 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (A.D.-F.); (J.D.C.); (C.S.); (T.D.B.); (P.L.); (J.A.)
| | - Johan Abeloos
- Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Surgery, General Hospital Sint-Jan Brugge-Oostende A.V., 8000 Bruges, Belgium; (A.D.-F.); (J.D.C.); (C.S.); (T.D.B.); (P.L.); (J.A.)
| | - Tim Lammens
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, 9000 Ghent, Belgium;
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (C.R.I.G.), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-9-332-2480
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