Spatial analyses revealed CXCL5 and SLC6A14 as the markers of microvascular invasion in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a critical prognostic factor in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC), strongly associated with postoperative recurrence. However, the phenotypic features and spatial organization of MVI remain inadequately understood.

Methods

We performed a spatial transcriptomic analysis on 29,632 spots from six ICC samples, manually delineating MVI clusters using the cloupe software. Key biomarkers were identified and validated in an independent cohort of 135 ICC patients. Functional and survival analyses were conducted to assess clinical relevance, and cell-cell communication pathways were investigated.

Results

MVI regions exhibited heightened proliferation, angiogenesis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, driven by increased expressi

SUBMITTER: Fan G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11637745 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature