Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal apelin/APJ pathway's role in microvessel formation and tumour progression in hepatocellular carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: The apelin receptor (APJ) is a key player in tumour angiogenesis, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unclear. This study aims to elucidate the function of the apelin/APJ pathway in HCC using a multi-omics approach and identify potential therapeutic biomarkers. Differentially expressed genes related to the apelin/APJ axis were identified from bulk transcriptomics to reveal HCC-associated disparities. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics were used to localize and analyse the function of these genes. Machine learning models were constructed to predict outcomes based on apelin/APJ expression, and experimental validation was conducted to explore the pathway's impact on HCC angiogenesis. Single cell analysis revealed an overexpression of APJ/Aplin in the endothelium. The s

SUBMITTER: Zhu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11493554 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature