Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal pre-metastatic subsets and therapeutic targets in penile carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: Tumor heterogeneity, driven by branching evolution and genomic mutations, complicates cancer treatment. Understanding malignant cell evolution across various tumors aids in identifying pre-metastatic subpopulations for optimized therapies. Using bulk RNA sequencing (6 primary penile carcinomas, 6 metastatic lymph nodes, GSE196978), single-cell RNA sequencing (4 advanced penile carcinomas), spatial transcriptomics (Squamous cell carcinoma [SCC]: GSE144239-GSM4565823 and SCC: GSE144239-GSM4565826), and cell assays with Silmitasertib, we mapped heterogeneity and pinpointed therapeutic targets. In penile carcinoma, we discovered an MMP3+SPP1+ pre-metastatic subset and casein kinase 2 alpha 1 (CK2α) overexpression. The nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway may drive metastasis. Pan-cancer analysis

SUBMITTER: Xu DM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11804784 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature