Single-cell transcriptomics reveals cellular evolution underlying pleomorphic adenoma recurrence and malignant transformation.

ABSTRACT: Pleomorphic adenoma (PA), the most common benign salivary gland tumor, harbors unpredictable risks of recurrence and malignant transformation into carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma (CXPA), posing significant clinical challenges. To better delineate the tumor transformation trajectory, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of normal salivary gland, primary PA, recurrent PA (rPA), and CXPA. Cell trajectory reconstruction, differential expression gene identification, and key gene network analysis were integrated to characterize molecular transitions and intercellular crosstalk driving PA recurrence and malignant transformation. Immunohistochemistry was used to validate key findings. GALNT13 + myoepithelial cells were identified as CXPA-specific malignant progenitors, delineating early malign

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12521576 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature