Single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics reveal an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment related to metastatic dissemination during pancreatic cancer liver metastasis.

ABSTRACT: Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive malignancy characterized by early liver metastasis and high mortality. The tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in tumor progression; however, the immune microenvironment's involvement in PDAC liver metastasis remains poorly understood. Methods: This study investigates cellular heterogeneity in primary tumor (PT) and liver metastasis (LM) tissues of PDAC using single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. Intra-tumor heterogeneity and cell interactions were elucidated through deconvolution, intercellular signalling, pseudotime analysis, and immune infiltration profiling. The spatial distribution of immune cells was assessed by multiplexed immunofluorescence staining, and prognostic

SUBMITTER: Liu H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12036881 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature